Coco Gauff defeated Sorana Cirstea to book her place in the Italian Open final.
The American delivered her finest performance of the week so far, beating an in-form Cirstea in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
Is Coco Gauff playing well enough to win Rome and Roland Garros?
She's into the Italian Open final!
Former British number one Tim Henman was impressed by Gauff, sharing his thoughts during Sky Sports’ post-match coverage.
Tim Henman ‘so amazed’ by Coco Gauff’s ability to win despite not playing her best
“Solid performance, and I think this is what is so amazing about Coco Gauff,” said Henman.
“She played okay, I don’t think we can rave about that performance, but she’s got through in straight sets, and she’s back in another Masters 1000 final.”
Coco Gauff’s record in WTA 1000 finals (3-3)
- 2023 Cincinnati Open [WIN] vs Karolina Muchova
- 2023 China Open [WIN] vs Karolina Muchova
- 2025 Madrid Open [LOSS] vs Aryna Sabalenka
- 2025 Italian Open [LOSS] vs Jasmine Paolini
- 2025 Wuhan Open [WIN] vs Jessica Pegula
- 2026 Miami Open [LOSS] vs Aryna Sabalenka
- 2026 Italian Open
Laura Robson was also keen to share her thoughts.
“I thought today was actually quite an enjoyable watch,” she said.
“Yes, she can play better, but compared to sometimes, when we’re really looking at the forehand and the serve, you can tell when it starts to unravel, and then it looks like it’s going to be a tough day, whereas today, she had the time on the forehand.
Coco Gauff vs Sorana Cirstea – Match stats
| Stats | Coco Gauff | Sorana Cirstea |
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double faults | 1 | 0 |
| 1st Serve % | 78% | 66% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 74% | 51% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 50% | 47% |
| Break points | 5/6 | 3/5 |
“On a slightly slower court like this, where she feels like she can drop back behind the baseline, and play it off the back foot and give herself a little bit more room, it makes a world of difference.
“So from then on, you can just see her relax a little bit more.
“Sorana [Cirstea] hits a really solid ball; she hits it very clean, but it’s not going to hit you off the court.
“So I think another reason is that she feels like she doesn’t have to go for too much, and can play on her own terms with patience.”
Henman was amazed, and Robson was entertained, but what did Jamie Murray think on commentary?
“It was a very impressive performance from the young American,” he said.
“Came back strong after a sluggish start, very composed, in control of her game.
“Some incredible movements and defensive skills on show as well, stole a lot of points off the racket of Cirstea.
“Sorana should be very proud of her performances this week.
Sorana Cirstea at the 2026 Italian Open
- 2R [WIN] vs Tatjana Maria, 6-2, 6-0
- 3R [WIN] vs Aryna Sabalenka, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5
- 4R [WIN] vs Linda Noskova, 6-2, 6-4
- QF [WIN] vs Jelena Ostapenko, 6-1, 7-6
- SF [LOSS] vs Coco Gauff, 4-6, 3-6
“But Coco is marching on to the final, thoroughly deserved.
“Good time to be playing your best tennis, at the business end of the tournament.”
Coco Gauff has chance at Italian Open redemption
This isn’t the first time Gauff has reached an Italian Open final, as she did the exact same last year.
In 2025, the American defeated Victoria Mboko, Magda Linette, Emma Raducanu, Mirra Andreeva, and Qinwen Zheng to book her place in the showpiece match.
There, she met the home favourite, Jasmine Paolini.
Gauff was searching for her maiden WTA 1000 title on clay, but fell short, losing to Paolini in straight sets, 4-6, 2-6.
This time around, Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina will stand between Gauff and the Italian Open trophy.
Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in Rome, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Gauff will play Swiatek or Svitolina in the Italian Open final on Saturday, May 16.
