Folks Underestimate People on Clay

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Could 16, 2024 On Rome’s pink clay, People are taking goal at a serious delusion.

Do not imagine People cannot do the soiled work on clay, says Coco Gauff.

Extra: Break-Ups and Love Matches

Following her 6-4, 6-3 Rome semifinal loss to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Gauff mentioned U.S. compatriots are rewriting the age-old narrative that People don’t love filth.

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 mentioned folks underestimate People on clay.

“Particularly Tommy and Danielle are people who I all the time root for, despite the fact that I would not essentially say we’re tremendous shut,” Gauff informed the media in Rome. “We communicate on a regular basis. Danielle and I, I like her. Me and her obtained nearer after the Billie Jean King Cup we did collectively.

“She’s only a nice individual actually. I like to see her do nicely. I believe should you ask her, she likes to see me do nicely.

“I believe it’s a camaraderie. I believe it does push us to be higher. I believe on clay folks 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 mentioned a gaggle of about 20 People got here collectively for a gaggle 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 last for her fourth Italian Open crown.

Former world No. 1 Serena Williams stays the final American lady to win Rome.

US Open champion Gauff is rooting for Collins, who faces world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka within the semifinals, to come back via too.

“But when it is not me, I’d love for it to be Danielle,” Gauff mentioned. “If that is her farewell tour, I believe she deserves it loads. I hoped I might win at present to play her within the last.”

Photograph credit score: Eric Espada/Getty for ITF Billie Jean King Cup