Coco Gauff showcased her resilience and skill on Friday, May 9, 2025, as she advanced to the third round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome, defeating the young Canadian Victoria Mboko in a thrilling match that lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes. Gauff, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, came back after losing the first set to secure victory with a final score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The match began with an unexpected twist as Mboko, just 18 years old, took the first set 6-3. She played with remarkable confidence, executing four breaks against Gauff, who was still reeling from her recent performance at the Madrid Open where she reached the finals but fell short against Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff admitted, "I wasn’t playing very well and she was playing great tennis. I’m glad I managed to find my game" after the match.
Despite the shaky start, Gauff quickly regained her composure in the second set. She dominated the court, showcasing her powerful baseline shots and excellent court coverage. The American broke Mboko early in the second set and maintained her momentum, allowing her to equalize the match. By the time the third set rolled around, Gauff was in full control, winning it decisively 6-1.
Gauff's victory marks her continued journey in Rome, a tournament where she has previously reached the semifinals in both 2021 and 2024. She will next face Poland's Magda Linette, the 32nd seed, in a rematch of their last encounter in Miami, where Linette emerged victorious in straight sets. This upcoming match is highly anticipated, especially considering Gauff's determination to avenge her previous loss.
Victoria Mboko, on the other hand, has made an impressive mark this season with a record of 33 wins and just 3 losses, primarily at the ITF level. She has shown significant growth and potential, especially after nearly defeating Paula Badosa in Miami and securing her first win against a Top 100 player in Camila Osorio. Following her performance in Rome, Mboko is expected to rise to at least 137th in the WTA rankings, a significant leap that reflects her hard work and dedication.
As the tournament progresses, Gauff's focus will be on maintaining her form and building on her momentum. She has proven that she can compete at a high level, and with each match, she grows more formidable. The fans are eager to see if she can continue her winning streak and possibly capture the title in Rome, a prestigious tournament with a prize pool of €6,009,593.
In other matches at the Foro Italico, notable players are also making headlines. Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation, is set to play against Dusan Lajovic. Alcaraz has dominated their previous encounters, winning all four matches without dropping a set. This time, he returns to the court after a two-week recovery from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the Madrid Open.
Meanwhile, Arthur Fils, another rising star, faces Tallon Griekspoor in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Fils has had a strong start to 2025, reaching the finals in Monte Carlo and the semifinals in Barcelona. Griekspoor, equally impressive, has made it to the finals in Marrakech and the semifinals in Dubai. Their contrasting styles and competitive spirits are sure to provide a thrilling spectacle for tennis fans.
The excitement at the Italian Open continues to build as players vie for supremacy on the clay courts. With Gauff's recent performance and the upcoming matches featuring top contenders like Alcaraz and Fils, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament. Fans are left wondering whether Gauff can maintain her winning ways against Linette and if Alcaraz will continue his dominance over Lajovic. As the action unfolds, the anticipation grows for what promises to be a captivating few days of tennis in Rome.
