Overview
- Coco Gauff, who edged Solana Sierra on Saturday in Rome, advanced to the round of 16 with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 win at the Italian Open.
- She twice struck her racket against her own head after key errors in the first set, a rare public show of frustration caught on broadcast.
- The world No. 4 fell behind 0-3 with a double break in the final set and still clawed back to close the decider 6-4 after two hours and ten minutes.
- Commentator Eden Silva criticized Gauff’s body language during the match, saying she looked unhappy with her level even as the comeback gathered steam.
- Afterward Gauff said she is in a “weird” headspace due to personal issues, and analysts note her uneven 2026 clay results compared with last year as Aryna Sabalenka gains backing from some as the French Open favorite; her next opponent will be the winner of Iva Jovic vs Taylor Townsend.