Coco Gauff's wait for her first WTA 1000 title continues, as the American fell short in the Italian Open 2025 final, losing in straight sets to Italy's Jasmine Paolini. This marks Gauff’s second consecutive runner-up finish at a WTA 1000 event, having also lost the final in Madrid earlier this month.
Rome was historic for Gauff, as she reached the final of the tournament for the very first time. However, it ended in disappointment as Paolini triumphed 6-4, 6-2 to become the first Italian woman in 40 years to lift the trophy in the capital.
Gauff Praises Home Support for Italians, Including Sinner
During her post-match press conference, the 2023 US Open champion was asked about the rise of Italian tennis and particularly praised Jasmine Paolini and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner for their continued success.
“Facing the crowd? I mean, I think the crowd helps, speaking from experience, playing in a home crowd,” said Gauff. “I just know that it gives you that extra push, that extra motivation to do better and cross the finish line. I think that helps."
She continued:
“Obviously Jasmine and Jannik, maybe overall I think they’ve done a good job with developing their games, specifically Jasmine.”
A Nod to Sinner’s Generational Talent
Gauff didn’t hold back in her praise for Jannik Sinner, who is currently preparing for his final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final in Rome.
“Yeah, obviously Jannik, he’s one of those talents that I think you just knew he was going to be great since he was young," Gauff said. "Obviously that has something to do with the Federation, but I think a lot to do with him being a generational talent as well.”
She also complimented the Italian tennis infrastructure and the support system behind both Sinner and Paolini:
“Yeah, I think they have the support that they need here. This facility is great. I’m not sure of the ins-and-outs of it. Yeah, I think it’s great. Hopefully next year I can get a chance to have a different result. I’d love to play her again in the final. That would be cool.”
Gauff and Paolini Head-to-Head: A Growing Rivalry
The Rome final was the fourth career meeting between Gauff and Paolini, and with this win, Paolini has now leveled their head-to-head record at 2-2.
Here’s a breakdown of their encounters:
| Year | Tournament | Winner | Score |
| - | | - | - |
| 2021 | Adelaide International | Gauff | 6-4, 6(4)-7, 6-2 |
| 2023 | Cincinnati Open | Gauff | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2025 | Stuttgart (Porsche Grand Prix) | Paolini | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2025 | Italian Open | Paolini | 6-4, 6-2 |