Gauff eases past Cirstea to reach second straight Italian Open final

Third seed Coco Gauff surged into her second consecutive Italian Open final on Thursday, overcoming Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-4 6-3.

The win earned the 22-year-old American her second WTA 1000 final appearance this year following her runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka in Miami in March.

Gauff struggled early on as Cirstea raced into a 4-2 lead, but the world No 4 shifted gears and took command of the match by winning four games in a row to take the opening set.

Her momentum was briefly interrupted in the second set when play was paused to assist a spectator who required medical attention, yet Gauff kept her focus.

She twice secured breaks only for Cirstea to fight back each time. However, Gauff claimed a decisive break in the eighth game and held serve to seal the win in a match that lasted a little over one hour.

What a point from @CocoGauff to close out the match in straight sets 6-4, 6-3! 💪#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/B5PitcprxB — wta (@WTA) May 14, 2026

The straight-sets victory ended a taxing run for Gauff, who had navigated three consecutive three-set matches to reach the semifinals, including a narrow escape against compatriot Iva Jovic.

Cirstea, who plans to retire later this year, exits having delivered the shock of the tournament by stunning world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday's third round.

Gauff's victory was her third over the 36-year-old Cirstea this year following previous wins in Miami and Madrid.

"I think I learned a little bit more from each match," said Gauff during her on-court interview. "Those are the matches you get through... I’m really grateful to be in the final."

Coco Gauff after beating Cirstea to reach back-to-back Rome finals

“How has your mindset evolved during the tournament? Have you been able to enjoy a little more the fight on court?”

Coco: “I’ve been enjoying it. The first couple rounds were tough. Those are the matches you get… pic.twitter.com/ZU2dby2i98 — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 14, 2026

Gauff, who lost the Italian Open final to Jasmine Paolini last year, now awaits the winner of the other semifinal between six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek and seventh seed Elina Svitolina, who play later on Thursday.