(VIDEO) "Ready to go sleep": Coco Gauff unexpectedly bursts out laughing during Rome Open runner-up speech
WTASaturday, 16 May 2026 at 22:00
Coco Gauff was defeated in the final of the Rome Open losing out to Elina Svitolina 4-6, 7-6, 2-6 as the Ukrainian became the fifth woman to win the title three times.
Gauff was asked to give her thoughts on losing out to Svitolina in the final and the microphone wasn't working initially and she made herself laugh and started bursting out laughing having to compose herself.
The American paid tribute to Svitolina who sealed an incredible win as she defeated the Roland Garros champion and continues to defy belief when it comes to her form.
But in addition, she hopes that she will defend her title on the courts of Paris facing off against Svitolina in the final. "First, I want to congratulate Elina. Another tough battle between us, and I’m on the other side of it again, but hopefully one of these days I can get over that," said Gauff on court.
"Seriously though, you had an incredible tournament — a lot of long matches against great players — so congratulations to you and your team. You’re always very nice on and off the court, so hopefully I’ll see you at the French Open in the final. That would be nice."
"Ready to go sleep" - Gauff
She went on to thank her team and family for their support as well as the volunteers, ball kids, umpires as well as the fans for their support. She also said that she is ready to go to sleep in a final hilarious moment on court as she bears farewell to Rome for another year. "Next, I would like to thank God and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for always keeping me covered and being a source of calmness for me.
"I’d also like to thank my team. I’m sorry I couldn’t play a little bit better in some moments today, but it’s been a great two weeks with you guys. I definitely feel the momentum going into the French Open. There are a lot of lessons learned from this match, but we keep going, and I appreciate you guys.
Gauff lost out in the final to Svitolina.
"I’d also like to thank my mom, who’s here, and my dad, who’s at home, along with the rest of my family for supporting me too. I want to thank all the ball kids, all the umpires, volunteers, staff and locker-room staff — everyone who makes this tournament possible and makes it as easy as possible for us players to show up on the court. I appreciate each and every person that I see and don’t see.
"And finally, I’d like to thank you guys — the fans. I know it’s been raining, it’s late, and I’m ready to go to sleep. I’m sure you guys are too, so thank you so much. I hope I didn’t forget anything else. Thank you, and see you next year!"
Coco Gauff after losing to Svitolina in Rome final
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 16, 2026
“First I want to congratulate Elina. Another tough battle between us. I’m on the other side but hopefully one of these days I can get over that. You had an incredible tournament. A lot of long matches against great players.… pic.twitter.com/Eaq3hyrHgw
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- Poor sap. She dumped him with a Capital "D" !! Oh well... as long he "doesn't tell me what to do" he may survive most of this season.
mandoist15-05-2026 - Anytime your opponent blows their opportunities can be called "luck". Have to admit though, Gauff can run like hell. Ditto for Svitolina. Of course there's always that old addage: "Have to be Good to be Lucky".mandoist15-05-2026
- They should change the name 'Wildcard' to "Sponsorship Card".mandoist15-05-2026
- Unreal. The amount of luck Coco Gauff had in that last game was simply insane. Most players need 14 matches to get that lucky.
MrAndreeva12-05-2026 - Her body mass is too much for the pace of a chamopinship run. Time is catching-up to her.mandoist10-05-2026
- "Injury" seemed to have very little to do with her loss. She almost said it out loud in her presser! Anyone paying close attention could see minor 'cracks' appearing in her game since last season. It's been proven that getting side-tracked by media junkets, filming TV commercials, soaking-up the perks, and incessant 'Social' network posting leads to major distractions from the tournament grind.mandoist10-05-2026
- Blaming citizens (innocent citizens) for what their bad leaders do is not really fair. Americans are learning that lesson every day!mandoist10-05-2026
- It's a shame that the WTA is calling the wrong person into meetings and intimidating them like this. Good on the player for speaking out. You can't expect Ukrainians to put aside that Russia has been bombing them for years and is still doing so.SueC08-05-2026
- The girl needs professional help... and I don't mean sports.mandoist05-05-2026
- The way the current tennis players perform today, especially in the WTA, they should not be given any extra money. Let them boycott. They do not look like professionals. More balls land out of bounds and into the net than anything.crissy05-05-2026
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