Coco Gauff overcame slow night time conditions to reach her first final in Rome and will now face Jasmine Paolini.
After two previous failed attempts at the semi-final stage, Gauff finally made her first final in the eternal city.
However, nothing comes easy at WTA 1000 level and that proved to be the case as Gauff battled for 3 hours and 32 minutes to defeat Qinwen Zheng 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(4).
After the match Gauff admitted the conditions were slow and admitted she was happy to go through despite not playing her best tennis, “Honestly, the whole match for me the court was so slow. Especially when the ball after like two games, they’re so heavy,” Gauff stated in her press conference.
“This was my second night match. My first one was first round. I was playing someone completely different game style. Yeah, it was tough. I think we’re both struggling trying to hit through each other. I think in Riyadh we had a little bit more winners, aggressiveness. Today we were trying, but the ball wasn’t going anywhere.
“Yeah, the final I think is a little bit in the day, so hopefully it’s a little bit faster. Yeah, overall I’m just happy. Wasn’t my best level at all, to be honest. Just happy to get through it and through to another final.”
It’s the second consecutive final for Gauff at WTA 1000 level after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid final last week.
This time around it is home favourite Jasmine Paolini in the final in what will be their fourth career meeting with Gauff leading the head-to-head 2-1.
Previewing the final Gauff said that it would be a ‘tough’ final between the two former Roland Garros finalists, “She’s a tough opponent,” Gauff said.
“I think especially here with the home crowd behind her, she’s going to be playing some great tennis. I have to expect that. Hopefully I can bring a better level and hopefully win the title. If not, I’m proud just really of this match, too.”
The last meeting between the two players was in Stuttgart a few weeks ago where Paolini won in straight sets.
