Coco Gauff already states what she is expecting to happen in the Italian Open final against Jasmine Paolini and says she has to be ready for it

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Coco Gauff is two sets away from winning her first WTA 1000 title on clay.

At the third time of asking, the American won a semi-final at the Italian Open and will compete for the title on Saturday.

She came through the longest match of her career as Gauff defeated Zheng Qinwen 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4), which is her 10th win from her last 11 matches.

Gauff has a shot at glory in Rome, but she will have to beat the home favourite and Italian number one Jasmine Paolini, which will not be an easy feat.

What is Coco Gauff expecting from Jasmine Paolini in the Italian Open final?

On Saturday Coco Gauff will contest her second successive final after finishing runner-up at the Madrid Open.

She has rediscovered her form on the clay and she aims to enter the French Open with a title under her belt.

But she faces the stiff task of going up against Paolini, who has already defeated her in the doubles competition alongside compatriot Sara Errani.

The 29-year-old won their previous encounter in Stuttgart, but Gauff hopes to reverse that result on Saturday. She also aims to overcome the crowd, who will be heavily in favour of the world number five.

“Yeah, that was a tough match. She played well. She’s a tough opponent,” Gauff said of Paolini. “I think especially here with the home crowd behind her, she’s going to be playing some great tennis.

“I have to expect that. Hopefully I can bring a better level and hopefully win the title. If not, I’m proud just really of this match, too.”

Coco Gauff comments on court conditions after reaching Italian Open final

As they did at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Gauff and Zheng contested another gladiatorial affair in Rome.

After 19 breaks of serve during a three-hour and 32-minute battle at the Foro Italico, Gauff emerged victorious, once again showing her grit and ability to stay resilient.

She admitted her struggles with the conditions and the slow nature of the surface making it difficult to hit winners, but Gauff thinks the courts will be faster during the final against Paolini.

“Honestly, the whole match for me the court was so slow. Especially when the ball after like two games, they’re so heavy,” Gauff added.

“This was my second night match. My first one was first round. I was playing someone with a completely different game style. Yeah, it was tough. I think we’re both struggling trying to hit through each other.

“I think in Riyadh we had a little bit more winners, aggressiveness. Today we were trying, but the ball wasn’t going anywhere. Yeah, the final I think is a little bit in the day, so hopefully it’s a little bit faster.”