Coco Gauff breaks two all-time records to reach the Italian Open final after beating Qinwen Zheng

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Coco Gauff will be seeking to secure a third Masters 1000 title tomorrow afternoon, when she takes on Jasmine Paolini in the Italian Open final.

The American’s route to this stage has been one littered with impressive triumphs, but Thursday night’s might just top them all.

After all, whilst it was far from the highest quality affair, the mental toughness exhibited by the 21-year-old saw her prevail in a three-set clash that has now broken records.

However, it is not the match alone which has made history. Coco Gauff herself has also added an extra element of success to what was a gruelling night on the clay of Rome. 

Coco Gauff breaks more records at the Italian Open

The first record that fell should come as no surprise to those who stuck through the entire match to its third-set tiebreak conclusion, as relayed by OptaAce.

They confirmed that, with a play time of 3 hours and 14 minutes, it was the ‘longest at the Internazionali d’Italia 2025 in Women’s Singles.’

Then, following that, they add: ‘Since the inception of the Women’s Singles event at Madrid in 2009, Coco Gauff is the youngest player to reach the final in Women’s Singles at both Madrid and Rome. Statement.’

Two records shattered in one match for the youngster who seems destined to rewrite history. Paolini now stands in her way of adding to that legacy.

What is Coco Gauff’s head-to-head record vs Jasmine Paolini?

Although the duo have only played against one another on three occasions, it does make for interesting reading that could have some bearing on how Saturday’s Italian Open clash might go.

After all, their most recent meeting came earlier this year in Stuttgart, with the Italian coming out on top in the quarter-finals on clay.

Stretching back further saw Gauff claim victory in 2023, and Paolini again in 2021.

So, it’s the 29-year-old who boasts a slender lead in the head-to-head, and also that edge on the clay already given her recent triumph in Germany.

Other factors could also have an impact, with the length it took for Gauff to beat Zheng in Rome one to consider. And not only that, but Paolini has actually already beaten her upcoming opponent this week in the ladies doubles, potentially set to provide the mental edge.