INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 12, 2025

Coco Gauff

Mixed Zone

C. GAUFF/E. Raducanu

6-1, 6-2

Q. How do you feel about your performance today?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I feel really happy with how I played. I thought overall I played a great match. Yeah, I think I really was the one dictating the match for the most part.

Q. Your forehand was bouncing up so high, she really struggled with getting the ball in her hit zone. How happy were you with that, the development of that shot in general?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, yeah, I'm really happy. I think today was the reason why I won the match. Yeah, especially on this surface I think I can do a lot with it.

Yeah, I think today, I don't know, I just felt better than the previous matches. It still feels so slow compared to Madrid, but I'm getting used to it with each match.

Q. Emma mentioned the wind played quite a part today.

COCO GAUFF: Yes.

Q. Did you feel that on court?

COCO GAUFF: It was super windy, especially like in the second set. It definitely did play a big part. I'm from Florida, so I'm used to kind of dealing with it, working with it.

Sometimes you have to learn to just let go with the wind, know that you just have to kind of move that extra step. Some points aren't going to be won in pretty ways, which a lot of points towards the end were won in ugly ways. That's part of tennis in the wind. It's not always pretty.

Q. What are your favorite clay court conditions?

COCO GAUFF: I mean, I liked it here usually. I feel like spending so much time in Madrid, it feels so heavy. I like it here. I like the warmth of it. I like that it's warmer here than Madrid. Maybe a little less wind would help. Today it worked in my favor. When it's windy and you're already having a rough day, it's not fun.

Q. How does it compare going from Indian Wells to Miami as it compares going from Madrid to Rome?

COCO GAUFF: That's a good question.

This is my first year really feeling it because I always lost early in Madrid, so I always had a lot more time. I think this might be a little bit harder just 'cause, I don't know, even though it's the same ball, same surface, it's just a little bit heavier.

The only reason why is because I'm from Florida. It's kind of like my base conditions, so it doesn't take me much to adjust from it.

Obviously going from Florida to Indian Wells is a bit tougher because of the thinness of the air, the ball flies a little bit more. Going from Indian Wells to Miami, it's not really difficult just because I'm used to playing in Florida.

Here it being my first year kind of having that quicker transition, it's a little bit tougher.

Q. Over three weeks now since the start of Madrid. You're in tournament mode all the time. What is that like?

COCO GAUFF: I think I enjoy it more than when you lose early and you're kind of waiting around, especially in Europe. Obviously in the States, you don't like to lose, but you're like, I can go home, spend extra days home. Here it gives me more motivation to do well because I don't want to sit around doing nothing. Yeah, I think I'm used to it. I don't mind. You feel more upside when you're successful. It makes it worth it.

But for sure when French Open and Wimby ends, you're like, I don't want to travel on a long flight for a while.

Q. Do you know Tyra Grant and what is your opinion about her?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I know Tyra. She used to represent the U.S. I never watched her play actually, so it will be my first time watching and playing her in doubles. I think we play tomorrow. I guess I'll have to feel her out with that.

I spent some time with her at the Trevi Fountain for the draw. She's a super nice person. I think she's going to do well and have a great career.

Q. Iga has been so consistent on this surface for so many years. Having the win over her in Madrid, how does this change the temperature of the clay court season for you, maybe other players in the locker room?

COCO GAUFF: You said Iga?

Q. Yes.

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I mean, I think for sure it changes some things when you maybe see someone who won Roland Garros that many times not having the best results. Women's tennis is two-out-of-three sets. It's not, like, a big difference for (indiscernible). I think it definitely gives players a lot of confidence when they come to face her.

You also have to respect that she's a four-time champion at Roland Garros. I always think if someone wins a tournament that many times, regardless of what shape they're in, they can definitely figure out a way to win again.

If I were to play her at French Open, I would throw away the results in Madrid, not even think about it, expect her to play her best tennis.

Q. The other day you said you went to a Tyler the Creator concert.

COCO GAUFF: Yeah.

Q. Are you a big Future fan?

COCO GAUFF: Yeah, I didn't grow up on them because I didn't get into Tyler until I was 14 or something. I guess maybe that counts growing up. But 14 or 15 when Flower Boy came out. I actually got to meet Taco Travis as well and Jasper. So that was pretty cool.

Yeah, I think overall I'm a huge Tyler fan, huge Odd Future fan. I like anything that he does. It was awesome. That was my second time going to a Tyler concert. I wanted to go a third time because I know he's in Europe, but I don't think it's going to work out.

Q. What is the best concert you've been to?

COCO GAUFF: For sure Beyonce Renaissance. I think that level of production is insane. I would like to go to Cowboy Carter, too. I don't think anyone can top Beyonce, to be honest.

Q. She's going to be in England before Wimbledon.

COCO GAUFF: I might look at those days. I need to figure it out right now (laughter).

Q. Regarding Rome, do you go game by game or do you have your eyes on the final?

COCO GAUFF: For sure game by game. Even in the quarters, it's a long way to that trophy. Yeah, just take it match by match and just try to improve with each match.

So yeah, I think looking too far ahead can kind of be more of a curse than a blessing.