Coco Gauff produced another stunning comeback to defeat compatriot Iva Jovic at the Italian Open.
Gauff, who is also playing doubles in Rome, saved a match point as she fought back from 5-7, 3-5 to secure victory.
The American eventually secured a 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 victory in two hours and 45 minutes.
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The two-time Grand Slam champion, seeded third in Rome, will play Mirra Andreeva in the Italian Open quarter-finals after the Russian defeated Belgian player Elise Mertens.
Immediately after securing victory, Gauff praised her teenage opponent.
Coco Gauff praises Iva Jovic
Iva Jovic is one of the most talented youngsters on the WTA Tour, and this was quickly recognised by Gauff during her post-match speech, which was broadcast by Sky Sports.
At only 18 years old, Jovic is already the world number 17.
Gauff began her remarks by commenting on Jovic’s play and the conditions in the Italian capital.
“I think I am just proud,” Gauff told the interviewer. “Iva played really good tennis and the conditions today weren’t easy.
“We had wind, aeroplanes, phones ringing! Everything was going on. I am just really happy.
“Thanks to my team for helping me. That pep talk definitely helped me mentally.”
As a player who is only 21 years old, Gauff has frequently been the younger player when stepping onto court to play her rivals on the WTA Tour.
However, on Monday, Gauff was the senior figure on court.
Coco Gauff’s projected Italian Open path
- Quarter-finals: Mirra Andreeva
- Semi-finals: Sorana Cirstea / Jelena Ostapenko
- Final: Elena Rybakina
The American was asked whether she found this factor ‘weird.’
“Honestly, I don’t think about age when I’m playing,” Gauff replied.
“She is a top 20 player so the age doesn’t matter to me.
“Over years you mature and are able to figure out those tough moments but I don’t know where her ranking is, but I think it’s about 16th, so she does it better than 99 per cent of the Tour and 80 per cent of the top 100.
“The age means nothing, we go out there and compete and she obviously has a bright future ahead of her.
Coco Gauff’s record vs Mirra Andreeva
Gauff has a dominant record against Andreeva, winning all four of their matches on the WTA Tour.
Gauff last defeated Andreeva in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Italian Open, winning a close contest 6-4, 7-6.
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The American has also defeated Andreeva at Roland Garros, the US Open and the Madrid Open.
Andreeva, a top 10 player, has been in terrific form throughout the 2026 clay-court swing.
The Russian has won 15 of the 17 matches she has played on clay this year, only losing to Elena Rybakina and Marta Kostyuk.
Mirra Andreeva’s clay-court swing so far
- Linz Open – CHAMPION
- Stuttgart Open – Semi-finals
- Madrid Open – Runner-up
- Italian Open: will play Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals
The date for Gauff and Andreeva’s Italian Open contest is yet to be confirmed.
