Roger Federer’s former coach has theory over why Coco Gauff always beats Mirra Andreeva after their Italian Open clash

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Coco Gauff enjoys playing against Mirra Andreeva and their head-to-head rivalry reflects that.

The 21-year-old faced the Russian for the fourth time in Thursday’s Italian Open quarter-final.

It was a competitive battle as both players produced some impressive shotmaking for a packed crowd on centre court at the Foro Italico.

But just like their three previous meetings, Gauff emerged victorious and reached the semi-finals in Rome for the second successive year.

Why does Roger Federer’s former coach think Coco Gauff beats Mirra Andreeva?

Gauff has defeated Andreeva in each of their four matches and has dropped just one set along the way.

She uses her elite defensive skills to force Andreeva to make errors, and her forehand, which at times can let her down, was very solid during Thursday’s encounter.

This was the view of Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone, who has been watching Gauff’s rivalry with Andreeva unfold.

“For Coco Gauff once again it was a little bit too good from the back of the court. She did a nice job solidifying things and getting that one under her belt,” he told Tennis Channel Live.

“The second set was a little bit more of a rollercoaster ride, both players were trading some breaks of serves, and you see a bit of the inconsistency.

“I think Coco just adds such a big threat because of the great defensive skills when Andreeva plays against her.

“She is not quite sure how to finish the points and Coco is the one who is able to just feel a little more solid in the rallies, not afraid to come forward when she has to, and I like when she improvises and uses the slice forehand because that can create some imbalance.”

Coco Gauff continues her impressive record against players younger than her

At the age of just 21, Gauff does not often face players younger than her.

This has happened just 12 times since she has been on tour, four of which came against Andreeva, the World number seven.

She has been defeated just once, and that came at the 2024 Toronto Masters against Diana Shnaider, who is just three weeks younger than Gauff.

In her next match however, Gauff will be back to facing an older opponent when she takes on Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen for a spot in the Italian Open final.

The Chinese number one claimed her first win over Aryna Sabalenka to reach the final four in Rome, and she will need to beat Gauff for the first time if she is to reach the final.