Coco Gauff advanced to the Italian Open second round on Thursday after beating Czech youngster Tereza Valentova in straight sets.
Gauff proved too strong for the 19-year-old, winning the contest 6-3, 6-4 on the Italian Open Centre Court.
It is a critical week for the American, who is defending 650 WTA ranking points at the event after reaching the final of last year’s tournament.
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It was an impressive victory for Gauff, who has already entered the history books alongside Iga Swiatek.
Coco Gauff has won 30 WTA 1000 clay-court matches
As per statisticians OptaAce, Coco Gauff is now the second player to claim 30 wins in clay WTA-1000 events before turning 23 after Iga Swiatek since the format’s introduction in 2009.
At 21 years old, Gauff will most likely overtake Swiatek’s record in the near future. Swiatek recorded 33 wins in clay WTA-1000 events before turning 23.
Gauff could increase her total to 31 wins if she defeats her third-round opponent in the Italian capital.
The American will play Argentine Solana Sierra or Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in the Italian Open third round.
Gauff has won her only previous match against Sierra, defeating the 21-year-old 6-1, 6-1 at the 2026 United Cup.
Gauff has also defeated Kalinina in their one prior meeting on the WTA Tour. Gauff defeated the Ukrainian 6-1, 6-0 at the 2022 San Jose Open.
Coco Gauff reacts to beating Tereza Valentova
“I had a couple of game points, and I just didn’t really take them,” Gauff said during her post-match interview.
“I was giving myself a lot of opportunities, but it was tough.
“In the first set, there were a lot of errors in the beginning, both of us didn’t have much of a rhythm, then she raised her level.
“I had a lot of opportunities, but I’m glad to get through today.”
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In her press conference Gauff praised her young opponent.
“I played her in French Open last year. It was a good match,” Gauff said.
“Today she definitely stepped up her level. Yeah, I think she’s super talented. I mean, the Czech roster, they have a good roster. They definitely have a good addition with her.”
