'Look forward to in Paris...' - Coco Gauff opens up on learning from painful Italian Open final defeat

Tennis sensation Coco Gauff admitted that her loss in the Italian Open 2025 final to star player Jasmine Paolini was a 'bittersweet' one. The American stalwart has lost two back-to-back clay court finals. She did reach the finals of the Mutua Madrid Open 2025, but eventual champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated her to lift the title.

Despite that heartbreak, she continued her form in the Rome Masters and made it to the finals in the Italian capital. The elimination of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek made the road easy for her to make it to the final clash. However, she faltered against the local girl in the summit clash and lost the game with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-2.

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Coco Gauff reflects on her Italian Open final heartbreak

Thereafter, she admitted that she was proud to make it to the two back-to-back finals of the Italian Open 2025. The American stalwart was also seen hailing her opponent's game, who also showcased her form in the Italian Open 2025 to win the title on her home turf.

However, the young sensation revealed that she hasn't played a great game and given her best to fight against Paolini. The 21-year-old tennis star still feels confident ahead of the French Open 2025, slated to take place from May 26th in Paris. She has a stellar clay court run, and her performances make her a favourite to win the second Grand Slam of the year.

“Definitely proud of the two results, but also disappointed. It’s a bittersweet feeling. Jasmine played great tennis today. Unfortunately, I felt like I didn’t bring my best, which I knew I needed today. Overall, a lot to look forward to in Paris. It’s a bittersweet feeling. Jasmine played great tennis today. Unfortunately, I felt like I didn’t bring my best, which I knew I needed today. Overall, a lot to look forward to in Paris,” Coco Gauff said after the loss.

Also Read: Candi Gauff hails daughter Coco’s fighting spirit after electrifying 3-hour battle to storm into Italian Open finals