In a gripping display of resilience and skill, Coco Gauff, the world number three, battled her way to victory in her opening match at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome. Facing off against the promising Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, Gauff found herself pushed to the brink in a match that tested her mettle on the clay courts of the Foro Italico. The final score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 in Gauff’s favor belied the intensity of the contest, which lasted one hour and 43 minutes and showcased both players’ potential to captivate tennis fans worldwide.
The match began with Mboko, ranked 153 places below Gauff, seizing control in a surprising fashion. The 18-year-old qualifier played with a maturity that defied her world ranking, breaking Gauff’s serve four times in the first set to claim it 6-3. Gauff, known for her composure under pressure, admitted post-match that Mboko’s aggressive play made it “impossible” to find her rhythm early on. “Victoria came out playing some tough tennis,” Gauff said, reflecting on the challenge. “I knew she was going to do that from watching some of her previous matches.” Mboko’s fearless approach, honed through her qualifying rounds where she defeated Spain’s Cristina Bucșa and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova, kept Gauff on the defensive, forcing uncharacteristic errors from the former US Open champion.
However, Gauff’s experience and adaptability shone through as the match progressed. The second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Gauff adjusted her strategy, tightening her serve and capitalizing on Mboko’s waning consistency. Breaking the Canadian’s serve early, Gauff surged to a 6-2 victory in the set, leveling the match. Her powerful groundstrokes and relentless court coverage began to wear down Mboko, who, despite her early dominance, struggled to maintain the intensity against a player of Gauff’s caliber. By the third set, Gauff was in full command, racing to a 6-1 triumph as Mboko’s errors mounted under pressure.
Beyond her on-court performance, Gauff turned heads with her striking new outfit, a navy and white sleeveless tennis dress with red accents, designed in collaboration with New Balance and Miu Miu. The ensemble, inspired by the vibrant hues of Rome, Berlin, and Cincinnati—cities hosting key tournaments in Gauff’s 2025 season—added a touch of flair to her commanding presence. Gauff shared her excitement about the look on social media, likening the anticipation to the first day of school, a sentiment that resonated with fans who celebrated her fashion-forward approach.
Gauff’s victory sets up a third-round clash with Poland’s Magda Linette, a seasoned competitor known for her tactical acumen. The American’s history in Rome adds intrigue to her campaign; she has reached the semifinals twice before, in 2021 and 2024, only to fall to eventual champion Iga Swiatek on both occasions. With 13 wins at the Italian Open before turning 22—a record surpassed only by Swiatek among active players—Gauff is a formidable contender on the Roman clay. Her recent form, including a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over Swiatek in the Madrid Open semifinals, signals her readiness to chase a maiden clay-court title.
Off the court, Gauff’s graciousness shone through as she offered praise for her young opponent. In a touching moment captured after the match, Gauff shared an eight-word message with Mboko, encouraging the teenager’s bright future. “It was a tough match,” Gauff reiterated, acknowledging Mboko’s potential to rise through the ranks. The exchange underscored Gauff’s sportsmanship, a trait that has endeared her to fans globally.
As Gauff advances in Rome, her partnership with Filipina star Alexandra Eala in the women’s doubles event adds another layer of excitement. The duo, chasing Gauff’s 10th career doubles title, promises to bring dynamic energy to the tournament. With the Italian Open running through May 18, Gauff’s journey—both in singles and doubles—offers a compelling narrative of talent, tenacity, and style. As she navigates the challenges ahead, including potential rematches with top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka or Mir , Gauff remains a standout figure in tennis, poised to leave an indelible mark on the 2025 season.
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