By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Could 16, 2024 On Rome’s crimson clay, People are taking intention at a serious fable.
Do not imagine 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 stated U.S. compatriots are rewriting the age-old narrative that People don’t love grime.
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 stated folks underestimate People on clay.
“Particularly Tommy and Danielle are folks that I all the time root for, regardless that I would not essentially say we’re tremendous shut,” Gauff informed the media in Rome. “We communicate 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 effectively. I feel when you ask her, she likes to see me do effectively.
“I feel it’s a camaraderie. I feel it does push us to be higher. I feel on clay folks underestimate People they usually suppose we hate the European swing. I hoped perhaps I may win and Tommy may win and it might be an American sweep.”
Paul stated 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 closing 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 return via too.
“But when it isn’t me, I might love for it to be Danielle,” Gauff stated. “If that is her farewell tour, I feel she deserves it rather a lot. I hoped I may win at present to play her within the closing.”
Picture credit score: Eric Espada/Getty for ITF Billie Jean King Cup
