ROME — Coco Gauff delivered what she called a "minuscule" statement after reaching the French Open final, but her true emotions surfaced as the 21-year-old American reflected on her journey to another Grand Slam championship match. Gauff, alongside doubles partner Jessica Pegula, advanced to the women's doubles final at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, setting the stage for her Roland Garros campaign.
The world No. 3 has been vocal about her ambitions in 2025, aiming to add a second major singles title to her 2023 US Open triumph. While her doubles success in Rome was a highlight, Gauff admitted her focus remains firmly on singles. "Doubles is fun, but singles is where my heart is," she told reporters after defeating the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.
Gauff’s Subtle Statement Ahead of Roland Garros
Gauff’s performance in Rome sent a quiet yet powerful message to her rivals. Though she downplayed its significance, her ability to balance singles and doubles while maintaining peak fitness suggests she’s entering the French Open in formidable form. "I don’t think it’s a big deal, just a minuscule step," she said with a smile. "But every match matters, especially before a Slam."
Her coach, Brad Gilbert, offered a different perspective, emphasizing her growth:
- Improved first-serve consistency (up to 68% in Rome)
- Stronger net play, crucial for clay-court success
- Mental resilience in tight moments
The Emotional Weight of Another Final
Despite her composed demeanor, Gauff’s post-match interview revealed deeper emotions. When asked about her 2024 French Open loss to Iga Świątek, she paused before responding, "That one hurt. But it also taught me a lot about patience and strategy." The memory clearly lingers, fueling her determination this season.
A Rivalry Renewed?
Świątek remains the favorite in Paris, but Gauff’s recent adjustments—particularly her aggressive return positioning—could shift the dynamic. Tennis analyst Pam Shriver noted, "Coco’s willingness to step into the court and take time away from opponents is a game-changer. If she brings that to Roland Garros, she’s a real threat."
Doubles Success as a Confidence Booster
Gauff and Pegula’s run to the Rome final marked their third title of the year, reinforcing their status as a top-tier pairing. While some players skip doubles to conserve energy, Gauff believes it sharpens her reflexes. "Doubles keeps me sharp at the net and helps me read the game faster," she explained.
Her partnership with Pegula also offers a mental break from singles pressure. "Jess and I have fun out there. It’s a different kind of intensity, but it’s still competitive," Gauff said. Their chemistry was evident in Rome, where they saved three match points in the semifinals.
Looking Ahead: The French Open Challenge
Gauff’s 2025 season has been a mix of consistency and near-misses. She reached the Australian Open semifinals but fell to Aryna Sabalenka in a third-set tiebreak. Now, with Roland Garros looming, she’s focused on converting opportunities. "I’m not here just to make finals. I’m here to win them," she asserted.
Her path won’t be easy. Potential early-round opponents include clay-court specialists like Paula Badosa and Beatriz Haddad Maia. If the draw unfolds as projected, a semifinal rematch with Świątek could await. Gauff, however, is embracing the challenge. "I’ve put in the work. Now it’s about trusting myself," she said.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Mindset
Gauff’s "minuscule" remark may have been modest, but her actions speak louder. Between her doubles success, tactical refinements, and emotional maturity, she’s poised for another deep Slam run. As she put it, "Every match is a chance to prove something—to others, but mostly to myself."
The tennis world will be watching when she steps onto the clay at Roland Garros. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff isn’t just participating—she’s competing to win.