"I handled myself well" - Gauff after opening round win over

2021 Rome Masters semifinalist Coco Gauf started off with a win in Rome taking down Kerber 6-1 6-4 to move on.

Gauff was happy about the win considerin it's a tough opponent even though Kerber is not known for her clay tennis. The first set went 6-1 to Gauff but the American explained after hte match that it was much closer than the result might suggest. She said:

"We had a lot of close games even though the first set went, 6-1, a lot of games went to deuce or 30-30."

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Expliaining what eventually worked for her, she said:

"Footwork and movement against her was crucial. She can change direction on some balls that a lot of players can't, so you don't really expect it. I felt like I was off-footed a lot, but I think what came through today is really how I handled myself."

The 70-minute match was a good start for Gauff who will be hoping to retain most of those points won last year.