People Underestimate Americans on Clay

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, Might 16, 2024
 
On Rome’s purple clay, Individuals are taking purpose at a serious fable.

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

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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 Individuals do not like 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 succeed in his maiden Rome semifinal, Gauff mentioned folks underestimate Individuals on clay.

“Particularly Tommy and Danielle are those who I all the time root for, although 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 received nearer after the Billie Jean King Cup we did collectively.

“She’s only a nice individual truthfully. I like to see her do effectively. I feel if you happen to ask her, she likes to see me do effectively.

“I feel it’s a camaraderie. I feel it does push us to be higher. I feel on clay folks underestimate Individuals and so they assume we hate the European swing. I hoped perhaps I may win and Tommy may win and it will be an American sweep.”

Paul mentioned a gaggle of about 20 Individuals got here collectively for a gaggle dinner in Rome earlier within the match.

Andre Agassi, the 2002 Rome champion, is the final American man to rule Rome.

Serena Williams defeated compatriot Madison Keys within the 2016 Rome ultimate for her fourth Italian Open crown.

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

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

“But when it isn’t me, I might love for it to be Danielle,” Gauff mentioned. “If that is her farewell tour, I feel she deserves it lots. I hoped I may win at the moment to play her within the ultimate.”

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