Coco Gauff reacts after surviving brutal path to Rome final

Coco Gauff is through to the final of the Italian Open after seeing off Sorana Cirstea, 6-4, 6-3.

The two-time Grand Slam winner advanced with a win she needed, giving her a solid result heading into the title match.

Gauff had been taken to three sets in each of her last three matches in Rome and even had to save a match point against Iva Jovic in the fourth round.

Speaking after her win, Gauff discussed how challenging her path to the final has been.

Coco Gauff Glad to avoid another marathon match after Italian Open semi-final

“I’m just happy to be through in straight sets today,” she said.

“It’s been a marathon week, but I’m really happy to be back here in the final. Thank you guys, for the support.”

“I’ve been enjoying it. The first couple of rounds were tough, but those are the matches you get through, and I was one point away from being out of the tournament, so really grateful to be in the final.

“Each match, I think I learned a little bit more, and I think it showed today.”

She was then asked to name the toughest match or turning point of her Italian Open campaign so far.

“All of them really!” she said.

“All of them have been tough. But I think getting through the match against Iva [Jovic], where I wasn’t playing my best. After that match, I think I’ve been getting better and better with each one.”

Italian Open: Coco Gauff open to playing either Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in final

She has faced both players multiple times, but her history with Swiatek is more established.

After dropping 11 of their first 12 meetings, Gauff finally found a way through and has since won four straight to close the gap.

Swiatek still holds an 11-5 lead in their head-to-head, but recent results suggest Gauff is catching up.

The story is different with Svitolina. Gauff led their series 2-1 at the start of the year, but the Ukrainian has since taken two straight wins, both coming early this season.

With that recent history in mind, Swiatek might actually be the matchup she prefers right now.

Svitolina and Swiatek will meet in Thursday’s semi-final on May 14th. The winner will move on to face Gauff on Saturday, May 16th.

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