In a captivating quarter-final showdown at the Italian Open on May 14, 2025, Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, delivered a masterclass in resilience, defeating rising star Mirra Andreeva 6-4, 7-6(5) to secure her third Rome semi-final berth. The match, played under the electric atmosphere of Foro Italico’s red clay, showcased Gauff’s evolving game, particularly her forehand, which former British No. 1 Tim Henman, courtside as a commentator, hailed as a pivotal weapon. Gauff’s victory, her fourth in as many meetings against the 18-year-old Russian, underscored her clay-court prowess and mental fortitude, positioning her as a prime contender for the French Open, set to begin on May 25.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, faced a formidable challenge from Andreeva, who entered Rome with titles in Dubai and Indian Wells and a newfound aggression honed under coach Conchita Martinez. The first set saw Gauff capitalize on Andreeva’s 20 unforced errors, breaking in the eighth game with a blistering forehand winner to clinch it 6-4. Henman, observing closely, was struck by the American’s forehand transformation. “Coco’s forehand was generating so much spin and control today,” he remarked. “It’s not been her strongest shot historically, but against Mirra, it was a real weapon, especially on clay where that topspin can dictate rallies.” Gauff’s 11 forehand winners in the first set alone validated Henman’s praise, a stark improvement from earlier in her career when the shot was often a liability.
The second set was a battle of nerves, with four service breaks in the first six games. Andreeva, adapting her strategy after a lopsided Madrid loss to Gauff, targeted the American’s forehand with drop shots and angled attacks. “I think she tried to be more aggressive today,” Gauff noted, acknowledging Andreeva’s tactical shift. “When you play someone so soon, it’s difficult because you know they’re probably not going to play you the same as last time.” Gauff’s response was a testament to her adaptability, as she leaned on her forehand to counter Andreeva’s aggression, particularly in a tense tiebreak. A sliced forehand winner and a defensive lob at 5-4 in the breaker showcased her versatility, sealing the match after one hour and 42 minutes.
Gauff’s performance was a milestone in her clay resurgence. After a rocky start to 2025, including an Australian Open quarter-final exit, she has surged, reaching the Madrid final and now Rome’s last four. Her 67% second-serve point win rate and 22 winners against Andreeva highlighted her growing command on clay. “I’m really confident on clay. I think it’s a surface that works well for my game,” Gauff said, eyeing her first WTA 1000 clay title. Henman echoed her optimism, noting, “Her movement and defensive skills are elite, but that forehand today showed she’s adding an offensive edge that could take her far at Roland Garros.”
Andreeva, despite the loss, left Rome with her reputation enhanced. Her bold play, including a spectacular forehand drop shot to level the tiebreak, earned Gauff’s respect. “At the end, my defense, it was tough,” Gauff admitted, crediting Andreeva’s tenacity. The Russian’s quip, “I was just trying to enjoy suffering,” reflected her spirited fight, though a final shot sailing long ended her run.
The match, the youngest Rome quarter-final since 1999, captivated fans, with social media buzzing about Gauff’s composure. “The most impressive thing was how she showed nearly zero frustration,” one spectator tweeted. As Gauff prepares to face either Aryna Sabalenka or Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals, she remains focused on breaking her Rome semi-final barrier. “I’ve lost in the semis here a few times, so I’m hoping to get through to the final stage,” she said. With her forehand firing and Henman’s endorsement ringing true, Gauff’s Rome performance signals a player ready to conquer the clay courts of Paris.
Leave a Reply