Overview
- Coco Gauff lost the Italian Open final to Elina Svitolina, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 in Rome.
- Match stats underscored the problem, with 67 unforced errors—40 on the forehand—and just 3 conversions in 17 break-point chances.
- Former coach Brad Gilbert said her second-serve points won sit below 40% this year and urged a bolder first serve to earn free points, plus a short reset with cardio and targeted reps on serve and return patterns.
- Tracy Austin pressed for a freer, stepped-in forehand rather than leaning back, with Gauff saying she grew too passive in key moments.
- Reaching the Rome final locked in the No. 4 seed for Paris, positioning her for a favorable draw when the Roland Garros main draw begins May 24.