Coco Gauff came through a difficult test in the third round of the Italian Open against Solana Sierra.
The American fought back from a set down against the Argentine to advance to the round of 16 in Rome, 5-7, 6-0, 6-4.
Gauff has struggled to get going during the clay swing so far, having suffered early exits in both Stuttgart and Madrid.
Following her triumph over Sierra in Rome, the 22-year-old admitted she was in a ‘weird’ space mentally.
Sierra now leads their head-to-head battle after defeating Gauff at last year’s French Open. The world No.3 hopes she will eventually be able to take control when facing her opponent.
Coco Gauff says her mind is in a ‘different place’ right now
She said: “I feel like I have solutions with my game. I’m serving a lot better, returning, just doing everything better than I was in that period.”
“I think for most of my career I’ve been having to only focus on my game. So it’s weird when your mind is in a different place. You’re also feeling confident on court.”
“I don’t know, that’s what I felt today. I do feel, like, pretty confident in my game right now. So yeah, I think I just have to mesh it all together. I don’t know.”
This year, Gauff is the third seed at the Italian Open and will be hoping to build on last year’s performance, where she reached the final but lost to Aryna Sabalenka.
Coco Gauff reflects on her win over Solana Sierra at the Italian Open
Reflecting on the match, Gauff said: “Yeah, it was a tough day for me. It’s one of those days where you don’t feel great, and you have to play a match. It’s like, I can’t cuss, but yeah. That was today. I’m happy I got through it.
“Yeah, one of those days I just didn’t feel, I guess, motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated.
“Just personal things off court that I’m just trying to get through, so… Yeah, but then you also remember how much fun you have. I think my regret today was not enjoying the battle, for sure.
“I’ve been going through it for a few months. I mean, good days and bad days, yeah.
The world number three said she tries to stay focused by reminding herself of those who support her. Gauff is chasing her first title of 2026 in Rome and her first since winning in Wuhan last October.
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