By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Might 16, 2024
On Rome’s crimson clay, People are taking purpose at a serious delusion.
Do not consider People cannot do the soiled work on clay, says Coco Gauff.
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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 do not like 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 individuals underestimate People on clay.
“Particularly Tommy and Danielle are those who I at all times root for, despite the fact that I would not essentially say we’re tremendous shut,” Gauff advised the media in Rome. “We communicate on a regular basis. Danielle and I, I like her. Me and her received nearer after the Billie Jean King Cup we did collectively.
“She’s only a nice individual actually. I like to see her do effectively. I believe in the event you ask her, she likes to see me do effectively.
“I believe it’s a camaraderie. I believe it does push us to be higher. I believe on clay individuals underestimate People they usually assume we hate the European swing. I hoped perhaps I might win and Tommy might win and it will be an American sweep.”
Paul stated a bunch of about 20 People got here collectively for a bunch dinner in Rome earlier within the event.
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 come back by means of too.
“But when it is not me, I might love for it to be Danielle,” Gauff stated. “If that is her farewell tour, I believe she deserves it loads. I hoped I might win at present to play her within the closing.”
Picture credit score: Eric Espada/Getty for ITF Billie Jean King Cup