In a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, World No. 4 Coco Gauff is set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, the No. 6-ranked player, on Saturday, April 19. The 21-year-old American, fresh off a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over lucky loser Ella Seidel in just 57 minutes, expressed admiration for Paolini’s distinctive playing style, noting a trait she has “never” witnessed from her opponent on the court. “I’ve never seen Jasmine give up on a point,” Gauff remarked, highlighting the Italian’s relentless tenacity as a defining factor in their upcoming baseline battle at the WTA 500 clay-court event.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, has enjoyed a strong start to her clay season, blazing through her early matches in Stuttgart with renewed focus after a challenging stretch post-Australian Open. Her journey to the quarterfinals marks her second consecutive year reaching this stage at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, matching her best run from 2024. Despite early exits in events like Dubai and Indian Wells, Gauff’s 9-5 win-loss record in 2025 reflects her resilience. “Every day is a new day in tennis,” she said, emphasizing her determination to make a deep run in Stuttgart, where she feels at home on the clay, her strongest surface with the highest winning percentage on tour.
Paolini, meanwhile, has also faced her share of struggles this season. After a breakout 2024 that saw her reach the French Open and Wimbledon finals and crack the Top 10, the 29-year-old Italian stumbled in early 2025, with a third-round loss to Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open and first-round exits in Qatar, Dubai, and Indian Wells. Her appearance in Stuttgart, only her second at the event, signals a chance to regain momentum. Gauff acknowledged Paolini’s competitive spirit, noting, “She’s always fighting, always moving, and that makes her so tough to play against.” The Italian’s counterpunching style and ability to chase down balls could test Gauff’s serve and forehand, especially if the American’s consistency wavers under pressure.
The head-to-head record favors Gauff, who leads 2-0 from their previous encounters in 2021 and 2022, both before Paolini’s meteoric rise. However, Paolini’s recent form on clay, where she reached the fourth round or better at all four Grand Slams in 2024 alongside Gauff, suggests a closer contest. Predictive models give Gauff a 69% chance of victory, citing her athleticism and big-stage experience, but Paolini’s 10-4 singles record this season slightly outpaces Gauff’s. “If my serve and forehand don’t hold up, her resistance could cause problems,” Gauff admitted, recognizing the challenge of facing Paolini’s relentless defense.
Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena, known for its fast clay courts, sets the stage for a clash of contrasting styles. Gauff’s powerful baseline game, honed by her 2024 titles in Auckland and Beijing, thrives on dictating rallies, while Paolini’s agility and point construction make her a formidable opponent in extended exchanges. “It’s going to be an entertaining baseline battle,” Gauff predicted, anticipating a match that could go the distance. The winner will advance to the semifinals, potentially facing Ekaterina Alexandrova or Jessica Pegula, adding stakes to an already electric showdown.
For Gauff, this match is more than a quarterfinal; it’s a chance to reclaim her momentum and build toward the French Open, where she reached the semifinals in 2024. Paolini, a WTA Finals qualifier alongside Gauff last year, aims to prove her 2024 success was no fluke. As both players vie for a spot in Stuttgart’s final four, their mutual respect and competitive fire promise a spectacle that will captivate fans and redefine their respective seasons.