Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, powered into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Cincinnati Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti on Thursday, August 14. The world No. 2, who claimed the Cincinnati title in 2023, showcased her resilience despite facing an unconventional opponent and tricky playing conditions that she described as “very awkward.” As she prepares to defend her US Open crown later this month, Gauff’s performance in Ohio signals her determination to build momentum on the hard courts, even as she grapples with unique challenges both on and off the court.
Gauff’s match against Bronzetti, ranked 61st in the world, was a test of adaptability. Advancing to the fourth round via a walkover after Dayana Yastremska withdrew due to illness, Gauff hadn’t competed in four days, which left her slightly rusty. Bronzetti’s unorthodox playing style, characterized by an exceptionally flat backhand—flatter than any other top-50 WTA player—posed a unique challenge. “It felt very awkward! I was lucky to practice with a couple of players this week who hit it flat,” Gauff shared in a post-match interview. “But she definitely hits flatter than even those who did hit flat. It was very weird. It was super low, having to get low, but always having to hit the ball, like basically in this C pattern, especially on my forehand side of the court.” Despite the discomfort, Gauff’s precision shone through, landing 79% of her first serves and converting five of seven break points in a brisk 79-minute match.
Adding to the complexity, Gauff noted the unusual behavior of the tournament’s tennis balls, which she described as “super light” and prone to “fly” in Cincinnati’s conditions. “It’s tough with these balls. They kind of fly in these conditions. So, just have to trust yourself out there,” she explained, echoing a sentiment shared by top seed Jannik Sinner, who remarked that the balls seemed to get smaller and faster as matches progressed. Gauff’s ability to balance aggression with control was key, though she admitted to moments of passivity. “For the most part I played aggressive. Maybe got a bit passive in some of those games,” she said. “She wasn’t giving me much pace. I was trying to play with control but also aggressive. For the most part I think I did well.”
The victory marks Gauff’s fifth quarter-final appearance at a WTA 1000 or Grand Slam event in 2025, a testament to her consistency despite a season marked by serving struggles. Her Cincinnati campaign began with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Wang Xinyu, where she committed eight double faults but found a mental shift in the second set to secure the victory. Against Bronzetti, she reduced her double faults to three, her lowest total since the Roland Garros semi-finals, signaling progress in addressing a persistent issue. “I’ve learned not to panic,” Gauff said earlier in the tournament. “Tennis is about problem-solving, and sometimes the solution is just playing the next point with a clear mind.”
Off the court, Gauff’s return to Cincinnati has been a homecoming of sorts. The 2023 champion, who became the youngest winner in the tournament’s history at 19, expressed delight at the venue’s transformation, including a new 56,000-square-foot player clubhouse. “It’s been really cool. My favorite is like the unlimited food,” she beamed, highlighting the acai bowls and smoothies that have become a highlight of her experience. Her connection to Cincinnati runs deep, with memories of her breakthrough title two years ago fueling her drive. “It feels great to be back in Cincinnati,” she told the crowd after her opening win, a sentiment that resonates as she eyes a second title.
Gauff’s path forward is formidable. She now faces No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, who advanced past an ailing Barbora Krejcikova, in a rematch of their 2023 Cincinnati quarter-final, which Gauff won 6-3, 6-2. The head-to-head is tied at 2-2, with Paolini claiming victories on clay this year, but Gauff holding the edge on hard courts. “She’s a great player, great personality, great person as well,” Paolini said of Gauff, anticipating a “quality match.” Gauff’s preparation for the US Open, where she aims to defend her 2023 title, hinges on these high-stakes encounters, especially after a disappointing North American swing that included a third-round exit in Toronto and a loss to Yulia Putintseva in last year’s Cincinnati Open.
Beyond tennis, Gauff has been vocal about her experiences, including a lighthearted moment of distraction during the tournament. “Disturbed, stressed, traumatized,” she quipped on social media, describing a late-night horror movie viewing in Ohio that left her vowing never to drive alone in the state again. Her ability to find humor and balance amidst the pressures of fame underscores her maturity. A two-time Grand Slam champion, with titles at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, Gauff continues to inspire with her resilience. “I don’t pray for results, I just ask that I get the strength to give it my all,” she said after her 2023 US Open triumph, a mindset that carries her forward as she chases another Cincinnati crown and prepares for New York’s bright lights.
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