In the electric atmosphere of Rome’s Foro Italico, Coco Gauff emerged victorious in a grueling semifinal showdown against Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, securing her place in the women’s singles final with a 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4) triumph. The marathon match, clocking in at three hours and 32 minutes, was the longest women’s contest of the season, a rollercoaster of 19 service breaks and relentless baseline battles. As Gauff prepares to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini for the WTA 1000 title, she candidly revealed the unique challenge Zheng poses, admitting that the Chinese star’s tactics consistently make her “uncomfortable” on court.
The semifinal was a test of endurance and nerve. Gauff, the 21-year-old world No. 4, surged to a 5-3 lead in the first set, only for Zheng to claw back, forcing a tiebreak. Capitalizing on Zheng’s double faults, Gauff claimed the opener, but the second set saw Zheng’s power game take hold. Breaking early, the 22-year-old leveled the match, her thunderous groundstrokes piercing Gauff’s defenses. The decider was a seesaw affair, with neither player holding serve consistently until Gauff, buoyed by her resilience, sealed the victory in a tense tiebreak. “It was a battle out there,” Gauff said post-match, her exhaustion tempered by pride. “I was just trying to go for every point, stay in the moment.” Her path to the final included a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Emma Raducanu and a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory against Mirra Andreeva, underscoring her clay-court evolution.
Zheng’s game, however, left a lasting impression. Gauff pinpointed the discomfort caused by Zheng’s unpredictable rhythm, a hallmark of their rivalry. “She doesn’t give me the same look twice in a row,” Gauff explained. “I’m someone who likes rhythm, and with her, it’s like every point is a different speed, a different height, a different spin. It makes me uncomfortable because I can’t settle into a groove.” This tactical variability, blending ferocious power with subtle spin changes, disrupted Gauff’s baseline dominance. Despite holding a 3-1 head-to-head edge, including a 6-4, 7-5 win in Beijing last year, Gauff acknowledged Zheng’s ability to push her limits. “She’s one of those players where I know I have to bring my absolute best, because if I don’t, she’s going to run away with it,” Gauff added.
Zheng, ranked No. 7, showcased her growing prowess on clay, a surface where she’s less experienced than Gauff, a 2022 French Open finalist. Her semifinal run in Rome, highlighted by a 6-4, 6-3 upset over Iga Swiatek, signaled her arrival as a major threat. “I think Qinwen is only going to get better,” Gauff said, gracious in victory. “She’s so powerful, and when she’s on, it’s tough to counter.” Zheng’s 39 winners against 44 unforced errors reflected her high-risk style, which kept Gauff on edge, especially during the 11 breaks of Gauff’s serve. Yet Gauff’s defensive tenacity and 73% first-serve win rate proved decisive in the clutch moments.
As Gauff gears up for the final against Paolini, the home favorite who dispatched Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1, she carries momentum from her second straight WTA 1000 final appearance, following a runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid. Paolini, riding a wave of national pride after becoming the first Italian woman in the Rome final since 2014, presents a different challenge with her swift movement and gritty baseline play. Gauff, wary of the partisan crowd, expects a fierce battle. “Jasmine’s going to come out firing, especially here,” she noted, referencing Paolini’s 6-4, 6-3 win over her in Stuttgart. A victory would mark Gauff’s third WTA 1000 title and make her the first American Rome champion since Serena Williams in 2016.
The Rome semifinal not only showcased Gauff’s mental fortitude but also highlighted her growth at navigating discomfort. Zheng’s unpredictable style may have unsettled her, but Gauff’s ability to adapt under pressure bodes well for her French Open campaign, starting May 25. As she eyes her first Rome title, Gauff’s candid reflections reveal a player unafraid to confront challenges, ready to turn discomfort into triumph on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
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