Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion, is radiating confidence as she prepares for a blockbuster semifinal clash against Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome. The 21-year-old American has been a standout on the clay courts this season, and her commanding performances in the Eternal City have her poised to seize a golden opportunity. With a spot in the final on the line, Gauff is determined to capitalize on her momentum and secure her second WTA 1000 title, a milestone that would solidify her status as a leading contender at the upcoming French Open, starting May 25.
Gauff’s journey to the Rome semifinals has been a testament to her growing mastery on clay, a surface where she once faced challenges. This year, she has embraced the slower courts, reaching the semifinals in Madrid and now Rome, a significant leap from her fourth-round exit at Roland Garros in 2024. Her path in Rome has been marked by dominant wins, including a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the fourth round and a 6-4, 6-2 rout of Lesia Tsurenko in the quarterfinals. These performances have showcased Gauff’s aggressive baseline game, improved serve, and enhanced movement on clay. “I feel really confident on clay this year,” Gauff said after her quarterfinal win, highlighting her comfort on the surface. “I’m just trying to keep building on that and take advantage of every opportunity.”
The semifinal matchup against Zheng Qinwen, the world No. 5 and 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Zheng has been a revelation in Rome, riding a wave of confidence after her breakthrough Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open earlier this year. Her powerful groundstrokes and relentless intensity have seen her dispatch top players like Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa en route to the semifinals. “She’s playing some amazing tennis,” Gauff acknowledged, recognizing Zheng’s formidable form. The two have split their previous meetings, with Gauff winning their last encounter in Beijing in 2024, but Zheng’s recent surge makes this a highly anticipated showdown. Posts on X have buzzed with excitement, with fans noting Gauff’s opportunity to halt Zheng’s “stunning run” and cement her clay court credentials.
Gauff’s mission in Rome extends beyond the immediate challenge of Zheng. With top seeds like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka facing early exits, the draw has opened up, presenting Gauff with a rare chance to claim a prestigious WTA 1000 title. A victory in Rome would not only boost her ranking points but also send a strong message ahead of Roland Garros, where she aims to surpass her previous best of a runner-up finish in 2022. “I know the draw is open, and I’m trying to stay focused on my game,” Gauff said, emphasizing her intent to seize the moment. Her ability to mix power with tactical finesse, particularly her improved drop shots and net play, has made her a versatile threat on clay.
Off the court, Gauff’s maturity and perspective have been equally impressive. At just 21, she carries the weight of expectations as one of tennis’s brightest young stars, yet she remains grounded. Her work with new coach Matt Daly has refined her game, particularly her serve, which has become a weapon in Rome. Gauff’s connection with the Italian crowd, who have embraced her infectious energy, has also fueled her drive. “The fans here are incredible, and it really pushes me to keep fighting,” she said, smiling after her win over Tsurenko. Her ability to thrive under pressure was evident in her comeback against Raducanu, where she rallied from a break down in the second set to close out the match.
As Gauff prepares to face Zheng, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. Zheng’s confidence, bolstered by her Olympic triumph and recent Australian Open success, makes her a formidable opponent. “Zheng’s prodigious career has been about gradual improvement,” noted a recent analysis, contrasting her steady rise with Gauff’s rapid ascent. Yet Gauff’s blend of athleticism, mental toughness, and clay court adaptability gives her an edge. A win would propel her into her first Rome final, a significant step toward her goal of capturing a second Grand Slam title in Paris.[](https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4197110/why-zheng-qinwen-is-feeling-lucky-and-confident-in-melbourne-return)
With the French Open looming, Gauff’s Rome mission is about more than just a title—it’s about proving she belongs among the elite on clay. Her confidence, honed through months of preparation and reinforced by her Rome heroics, sets the stage for a defining moment in her career. As she steps onto the Foro Italico court, Gauff is ready to embrace the challenge, determined to turn opportunity into triumph in one of tennis’s most iconic arenas.
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