In a display of sheer determination and athletic prowess, Coco Gauff emerged victorious against Qinwen Zheng in a grueling semifinal at the 2025 Italian Open. The match, lasting an astounding three hours and 32 minutes, not only marked Gauff’s longest career match but also the longest on the WTA Tour this year. This hard-fought win propels her into the final against Italy’s own Jasmine Paolini, promising an electrifying conclusion to the tournament
Gauff’s Semifinal Marathon: A Test of Endurance
Facing off against China’s Qinwen Zheng, Gauff battled through a match that tested both players’ limits. The encounter featured two tiebreaks, with Gauff ultimately prevailing 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4). The intense physicality of the match was evident, with Gauff describing the conditions as “sluggish” due to heavy balls and a slow court surface.
This victory marks Gauff’s first appearance in the Rome final, making her the first American woman to reach this stage since Serena Williams in 2016.
Paolini’s Historic Run to the Final
Jasmine Paolini has captured the hearts of the Italian crowd with her remarkable journey to the final. Her straight-sets victory over American Peyton Stearns (7-5, 6-1) secured her place as the first Italian woman in 11 years to reach the Rome final
Paolini’s performance has been characterized by resilience and adaptability, overcoming early deficits and leveraging the support of the home crowd to her advantage. A win in the final would not only be a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Italian tennis.
Key Match Insights
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Match Duration: 3 hours and 32 minutes, the longest WTA match of 2025.
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Gauff’s Milestone: First American woman to reach Rome final since 2016.
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Paolini’s Achievement: First Italian woman in 11 years to reach the Rome final
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Gauff manage to win such a lengthy match?
A: Gauff showcased exceptional mental and physical endurance, maintaining focus during critical points, especially in the decisive tiebreaks.
Q: What challenges did the players face during the match?
A: Both players contended with heavy balls and a slow court, which Gauff described as making the conditions “sluggish.”
Q: What does this final mean for Italian tennis?
A: Paolini’s presence in the final is a significant achievement, marking a resurgence in Italian women’s tennis and inspiring local fans.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s tenacity and Jasmine Paolini’s inspiring run set the stage for a thrilling Italian Open final. As Gauff aims to secure her first clay-court title in four years, Paolini seeks to make history on home soil. This matchup promises high-quality tennis and a memorable conclusion to the tournament.
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