Coco Gauff lauds 'incredible person and player' Jasmine Paolini in humble response to Rome Open final loss

Coco Gauff as ever was humble in defeat as she lost out to Jasmine Paolini on Saturday at the Rome Open 6-4, 6-2 who takes home a dream trophy and the first of at least three potentially this weekend for the home hopes.

Paolini could add another on Sunday in the doubles as Gauff told her to bring it home. She teams with her usual partner Sara Errani to face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens. It is not the same equation in men's doubles.

But in the men's singles, 3 out of the four on offer could go to the home hopes as Jannik Sinner tussles with Carlos Alcaraz in a dream tie.

For Gauff, she said she doesn't care about rankings but she will be World No.2 as of next week. iga Swiatek falls as far down as World Number Five and will likely plummet further if she loses early at Roland Garros.

But it is a second final in a row for Gauff. A player who has not been in form throughout this year but has clicked again for the clay and wants a big trophy next time but she was full of praise for Paolini post defeat.

"I've had a great time here in Rome. Been here so many times, lost in the semi's twice so I was happy to make it here to the final and congratulations Jasmine on this incredible achievement. You are an incredible person and player," she said as per Tennis Channel on court.

"It's always tough playing you and good luck tomorrow in the doubles final. Hope you guys can take it home."

"I would like to thank everyone that makes this tournament possible, all the volunteers, staff, referees, ball kids. Obviously you guys the crowd. You were supporting me for the majority of the week so I really appreciate it."

"Second final so I wanted to take the trophy home today but I know we put in a lot of work so hopefully I can leave with a big trophy next time."