Coco Gauff survived a scare in Rome, edging out Serbia’s Iva Jović after a brutal first‑set loss. The 17‑year‑old, ranked 17th, turned a match‑point miss into a rally that broke Jović’s composure. A cut on Gauff’s finger, from an earlier tumble, sparked a mental reset as she steadied her serve and unleashed a relentless baseline attack.

Gauff’s first two sets showed shaky footwork and a faltering forehand, but the teenager’s resilience shone when Jović faltered under pressure. Five service breaks followed a shaky first‑serve percentage, allowing Gauff to seize the second set. The win keeps her on track for a deep run at Roland Garros after recent clay setbacks ahead of June.

The match also highlighted off‑court tensions, with Gauff admitting mental struggles earlier in the season. Her comeback in Rome signals a return to form ahead of the French Open. Jović, who reached the Australian Open quarter‑finals, will need to correct her grip and first‑serve consistency if she hopes to challenge top seeds in the upcoming tournament.

With the Italian Open win, Gauff cements her status as a clay‑court contender, tightening her position in the race to the top of the rankings. The victory also preserves her momentum heading into the French Open, where she will face a field that includes defending champion Coco Bollore. As the tour’s leading talents clash in 2026.