Overview
- Gauff has a first‑round bye in Rome and will open against the winner of Yulia Putintseva and Tereza Valentova, with a possible third‑round meeting with Emma Raducanu.
- She is defending 650 ranking points from last year’s Rome final, so an early exit could cost her a top‑four spot that protects a later matchup at the French Open.
- Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova have few points to defend in Rome, leaving either player well placed to pass Gauff if she loses early and they go deep.
- After a three‑set loss to Linda Noskova in Madrid, Gauff slipped to world No. 4 and drew criticism from Rennae Stubbs for rushed shot choices and visible frustration late in the match.
- Gauff said she feels 100% after a brief illness during Madrid and noted Rome’s lower‑altitude clay suits her game, a venue where she has a strong record including the 2025 final.