Gauff powers past Valentova 6-3, 6-4 at Italian Open, advances to round of 16
Synopsis
Coco Gauff shook off the lingering effects of food poisoning to dispatch Czech teenager Tereza Valentova at the Italian Open, advancing to the round of 16. Despite serving lapses and a competitive second set, the defending French Open champion's experience and composure under pressure proved decisive — a reassuring sign as she prepares for her Roland-Garros title defence.
Key Takeaways
Coco Gauff defeated Tereza Valentova 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Italian Open on 8 May .
The match lasted 1 hour 34 minutes on Campo Centrale in Rome .
Gauff recorded seven double faults and landed 62 per cent of first serves, struggling behind serve throughout.
Valentova , ranked No.
48 , pushed the third-seeded American to 4-4 in the second set before Gauff closed out the victory.
Gauff advances to face either Sierra or Kalinina in the round of 16, continuing her clay-court campaign toward Roland-Garros title defence.
World No. 4 Coco Gauff delivered a composed performance at the Italian Open in Rome on 8 May, defeating Czech teenager Tereza Valentova 6-3, 6-4 in the second round. The third-seeded American, recovering from food poisoning that hampered her Madrid Open campaign, required 1 hour 34 minutes to secure her place in the round of 16 of the prestigious WTA 1000 event.
Gauff's comeback narrative
Gauff arrived in Rome still shaking off the effects of illness that derailed her Madrid run, where she fell to Linda Noskova in the fourth round. The defending French Open champion, eyeing another deep clay-court run ahead of her Roland-Garros title defence later in May, showed markedly improved physical condition on Campo Centrale.
First set dominance
The American started aggressively, breaking Valentova's serve consecutively in the opening games. Gauff's powerful baseline play and court movement gave the 19-year-old Czech little room to establish rhythm. She closed out the first set in 39 minutes, commanding the baseline exchanges and limiting unforced errors.
Second set tension
Valentova, ranked No. 48 globally, mounted a stronger challenge in the second set, capitalising on Gauff's serving inconsistency. The American recorded seven double faults and landed just 62 per cent of her first serves, gifting the teenager multiple break-point opportunities. The set reached 4-4 after Valentova drew level twice, with the Czech showing composure in extended rallies.
Decisive moment
At 4-4, Gauff raised her intensity decisively. She broke Valentova's serve in the ninth game with a dominant return before holding to love to close out the match. Despite the serving lapses, her experience and ability to shift momentum at critical junctures proved the difference.
Road ahead
Gauff will face either Solana Sierra or Anhelina Kalinina in the next round as she builds momentum toward Roland-Garros. The victory signals she has recovered sufficiently from her Madrid illness to mount a credible title defence on the Parisian clay.
Point of View
62 per cent first-serve rate — tell a story of incomplete recovery from Madrid. Against a higher-ranked opponent or on a faster court, those lapses cost matches. What she demonstrated instead was the mental toughness that separates champions from contenders: the ability to absorb pressure, reset at critical moments, and impose her will when it mattered most. For a French Open title defence, that composure may prove more valuable than a flawless serving day.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Coco Gauff's match at the Italian Open?
Coco Gauff defeated Tereza Valentova 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Italian Open on 8 May in Rome. The match lasted 1 hour 34 minutes.
Why did Coco Gauff arrive in Rome with illness concerns?
Gauff suffered from food poisoning during the Madrid Open, where she was defeated by Linda Noskova in the fourth round. She recovered sufficiently to compete in Rome as part of her clay-court preparation for Roland-Garros.
How did Gauff perform on serve during the match?
Gauff struggled with her serve, recording seven double faults and landing only 62 per cent of her first serves. Her serving inconsistency allowed teenager Valentova multiple break-point opportunities, particularly in the second set.
Who will Gauff face in the Italian Open round of 16?
Gauff will face the winner of the match between Solana Sierra and Anhelina Kalinina in the next round.
What is Gauff's next major tournament objective?
Gauff is preparing for Roland-Garros later in May, where she will attempt to defend her French Open title. The Italian Open serves as a crucial clay-court warm-up.
