Coco Gauff is back in top form at the 2026 Italian Open, and it's not just her powerful groundstrokes turning heads. The American star cruised into the final of this WTA 1000 event with an impressive straight-sets victory over Sorana Cirstea, winning 6-4, 6-3. This marks a significant milestone in her season, as she's now on the verge of claiming her first title since Wuhan last year.
What's really got the tennis world buzzing, though, is how Gauff has finally solved her biggest challenge: the serve. After struggling with consistency earlier in the season, she's recorded just six double faults across her last three matches in Rome—a dramatic improvement that's caught everyone's attention.
In a candid post-match interview, Gauff opened up about the technical adjustments that have turned her serve around. "I'm tossing a bit more consistently now," she explained. "My weight transfer feels better, and most importantly, I have more trust and confidence in the shot. When your confidence is high, you naturally place the ball in the right spot and keep your technique consistent, no matter where you're aiming."
The 20-year-old admitted it's been an "up-and-down process" but believes she's found the winning formula. "For the first time in my career, I feel really stable with my second serve. Now it's about making it even more of a weapon and serving smarter," she said with a smile.
This resurgence couldn't come at a better time. With the French Open just around the corner, Gauff is building serious momentum in Rome, having already defeated tough opponents like Iva Jovic and Mirra Andreeva. "This run gives me a lot of confidence," she reflected. "I've played some great clay-court players here, and I felt my game was improving even in Madrid. Now everything's coming together."
For fans and aspiring players alike, Gauff's journey is a masterclass in perseverance and technical refinement. Whether you're working on your own serve or just love watching a champion find her groove, her Italian Open run is must-watch tennis.