Gauff erases double-break deficit in third to reach Rome fourth round
No. 3 seeds Coco Gauff superior to the fourth round of the International BNL d’Italia in Rome after a topsy-turvy three-set win over Argentina’s Solana Sierra on Saturday.
Gauff takes early lead earlier than Sierra captures opening set
Gauff opened with an early break to transfer forward 2-0 earlier than Sierra battled again to stage the opening set. After one other change of breaks, Sierra broke Gauff in the eleventh sport after which served out the opener 7-5.
Gauff rebounds with second-set shutout
Determined to reset after dropping the primary set, Gauff once more secured an early break in the second. This time, she maintained management and added two extra breaks to sweep by the set 6-0 and drive a choice.
It marked Gauff’s fifth 6-0 set of the 2026 season on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz. Only Anna Bondar and Mirra Andreevawith six every, have recorded extra this season.
Sierra leads early earlier than Gauff survives thriller
Sierra raced to a 3-0 lead in the ultimate set with two breaks of serve, however Gauff responded by profitable 5 consecutive video games to transfer forward 5-3. The American held a match level in the ninth sport, although Sierra saved it and broke again to keep alive. However, Sierra couldn’t maintain serve in the subsequent sport as Gauff closed out to 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 victory in 2 hours and 10 minutes. With the win, Gauff maintained her unbeaten profession file in WTA-level matches after profitable a set 6-0.
“I felt like I won 6-0 the second set very quickly, so I was like I can definitely run off a few games,” Gauff stated. “Even in the first I had chances to go 4-2, things like that. Obviously I didn’t want to go down a double break, but also wasn’t completely out of it in my head. I usually like to say positive affirmations, go to my towel and things like that. Today I just lost all sort of routine and sense. I kind of let the anger out. Kind of helped me win the second set. I don’t think it was all too bad. I think there’s a better way to disperse it, for sure.”
Gauff created 23 break factors throughout the match and transformed 9 of them, whereas Sierra transformed six of 10 alternatives. The American completed with 24 winners and 25 unforced errors, whereas Sierra, who got here into the match with a 1-0 profession head-to-head file towards her opponent, struck 29 winners and 25 unforced errors. Gauff additionally compelled 53 errors from his opponent in contrast to 30 of his personal.
“It was a tough day for me,” Gauff stated after the win. “It’s one of those days where you don’t feel great and you have to play a match. It’s like, That was today. I’m happy I got through it. One of those days I just didn’t feel I guess motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated.”
Fifth Round of 16 look in Rome
The victory despatched Gauff. who reached the top right here 12 months in the past, into the Round of 16 in Rome for the fifth time in his profession. In the Open Era, solely Gabriela Sabatiniwith seven appearances, reached the Rome Round of 16 extra typically earlier than turning 23. Gauff has now reached the Round of 16 at WTA 1000 clay occasions eight occasions earlier than turning 23, surpassing Swiatek’s earlier mark of seven.
It was additionally Gauff’s nineteenth profession win in Rome. Only Sabatini (31) and Iga Swiatek (20) gained extra matches on the occasion earlier than age 23 in the Open Era.
Fellow American awaits
Gauff, now 20-8 this season, will face the winner of the all-American third-round match between No. 16 seeds Iva Jovic and qualifier Taylor Townsendwho performs later Saturday.
A gathering with Jovic can be their first on tour, whereas Gauff trails Townsend 0-1 in their head-to-head file.
