Coco Gauff’s Italian Open woes continued on Saturday.
The American, ranked third on the WTA Tour, lost to Elina Svitolina, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, in the final of the 2026 Italian Open.
Gauff has now lost two consecutive Italian Open finals; she was defeated in the final of last year’s event by Italian star Jasmine Paolini.
The result will come as a great disappointment to Gauff. However, she can take great pride in her performances throughout the last 12 days in Rome.
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Despite the loss, Gauff should still be considered one of the main contenders for the French Open title.
Coco Gauff’s excellent ability to bounce back from defeat
Throughout her career, Coco Gauff has demonstrated an ability to bounce back from any and all defeats she has suffered on the WTA Tour.
This was evident during last year’s Roland Garros event, where Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the title just three weeks after losing the Italian Open final.
Gauff has developed an unflappable mental barrier – one that appears impenetrable.
Earlier this year, the American faced a wave of criticism following poor performances at the Australian Open and Qatar Open.
Coco Gauff’s 2026 WTA results
- Australian Open – Quarter-finals
- Qatar Open – Second round [first match]
- Dubai – Semi-finals
- Indian Wells – Third round
- Miami – Runner-up
- Stuttgart – Quarter-finals [second match]
- Madrid – Fourth round
- Rome – Runner-up
However, as has become customary, Gauff bounced back emphatically and has now found her best form ahead of Roland Garros.
One would not bet against Gauff bouncing back from her 2026 Italian Open final loss with a vengeance, as she has done in the past.
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Coco Gauff has experience of winning the Roland Garros title
One cannot underestimate the invaluable nature of Coco Gauff’s 2025 Roland Garros triumph.
The occasion represented a landmark moment for the then-21-year-old, who came from a set down to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Philippe Chatrier.
Gauff will be able to utilise the experience of her triumph when she competes at the 2026 event, while also harnessing her superb mental fortitude and excellent movement on the red dirt.
Should Gauff lift the title once again in June, there can be little doubting the influence of her 2025 triumph in Paris.
Her rivals’ uncertain form
Many of Gauff’s biggest rivals for the French Open title have demonstrated inconsistent form in the lead up to the event.
Iga Świątek looked to have found her groove before losing to Elina Svitolina in the Italian Open semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka’s WTA Tour dominance has taken a hit with early tournament exits at the hands of Hailey Baptiste and Sorana Cirstea.
Moreover, Jessica Pegula’s ever-present European clay-court struggles have continued, while Amanda Anisimova is yet to compete on clay this year amid ongoing injury concerns.
Elena Rybakina, who won a clay-court title in Stuttgart in April, has also struggled to make her mark at the clay-court WTA 1000 events, losing to Anastasia Potapova and Elina Svitolina.
With many of Gauff’s rivals struggling to find their best form, could the 22-year-old take advantage in Paris?
