By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Might 16, 2024
On Rome’s crimson clay, People are taking goal at a significant fantasy.
Do not consider People cannot do the soiled work on clay, says Coco Gauff.
Extra: Break-Ups and Love Matches
Following her 6-4, 6-3 Rome semifinal loss to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Gauff mentioned U.S. compatriots are rewriting the age-old narrative that People do not like filth.
Pointing to Miami Open champion Danielle Collins’ run to the Rome semifinals in addition to 14th-seeded Tommy Paul dethroning defending champion Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz in succession to achieve his maiden Rome semifinal, Gauff mentioned individuals underestimate People on clay.
“Particularly Tommy and Danielle are those that I at all times root for, despite the fact that I would not essentially say we’re tremendous shut,” Gauff instructed the media in Rome. “We converse on a regular basis. Danielle and I, I really like her. Me and her bought nearer after the Billie Jean King Cup we did collectively.
“She’s only a nice particular person truthfully. I like to see her do properly. I feel in the event you ask her, she likes to see me do properly.
“I feel it’s a camaraderie. I feel it does push us to be higher. I feel on clay individuals underestimate People and so they assume we hate the European swing. I hoped possibly I may win and Tommy may win and it might be an American sweep.”
Paul mentioned a gaggle of about 20 People got here collectively for a gaggle dinner in Rome earlier within the match.
Andre Agassi, the 2002 Rome champion, is the final American man to rule Rome.
Serena Williams defeated compatriot Madison Keys within the 2016 Rome remaining for her fourth Italian Open crown.
Former world No. 1 Serena Williams stays the final American girl to win Rome.
US Open champion Gauff is rooting for Collins, who faces world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka within the semifinals, to come back via too.
“But when it is not me, I’d love for it to be Danielle,” Gauff mentioned. “If that is her farewell tour, I feel she deserves it lots. I hoped I may win at present to play her within the remaining.”
Photograph credit score: Eric Espada/Getty for ITF Billie Jean King Cup