Coco Gauff reflects on WTA Rome final loss ahead of Roland Garros

Coco Gauff says the mental lessons from her WTA Rome final defeat will serve her well heading into Roland Garros, where she defends her women's singles tennis title later this month.

The 22-year-old, ranked No.4 in the world, fell to Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Elina Svitolina in Saturday's (16 May) final at the Foro Italico — the second consecutive year she has lost in the title match.

Gauff squandered 14 break points across the match and later said her passivity at crucial moments as the main factor in the result.

"Today was a match that I learned from," she said in her post-match press conference. "I had many opportunities, but I didn't capitalise on them. I played too passive at some points, so it's a lesson for next time.

"I think it was more of a nerves issue," she added. "It's more of a mental thing that I have to learn from. I don't think it's a block."

Despite the defeat, Gauff was upbeat about her overall performance in Rome. "There are many positive things I can take from this tournament," she said.

"I've experienced all the ups and downs that can prepare me for Roland Garros. I hope to learn from each situation and improve."

The main draw of the French Open gets underway at Roland Garros in Paris on 24 May.

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