As the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix heats up in Stuttgart, Jasmine Paolini is showing nothing but respect for her upcoming quarterfinal opponent — Coco Gauff. Speaking ahead of their much-anticipated clash, the Italian star praised Gauff’s powerful game and acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead.
🎾 Practice Partners, Now Rivals
Over the past six months, Paolini and Gauff have become regular practice partners — a fact that adds an intriguing layer to their matchup.
“We know each other. I’ve practiced with her a lot lately,” said Paolini. “She’s a really tough player. Her ball is so powerful. I’ll need to play aggressively and stay focused if I want to stay in the match.”
Paolini didn’t hold back when describing Gauff’s strengths:
“She’s serving well, moving well, returning well. She’s a very complete player. To have a chance, I need to bring my best.”
⚔️ Past Encounters & Present Form
Gauff currently holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Paolini, with both wins coming on hard courts — in Adelaide (2021) and Cincinnati (2023). But this time, things may be different.
Paolini has undergone a transformation in her game since their last meeting. With a breakthrough 2024 season under her belt, the Italian is now a serious contender in any tournament — especially on clay, where she feels at home.
Despite the history, Gauff will know she’s facing a different version of Paolini this time around.
🌟 A Match Not to Miss
With both players in strong form and a growing camaraderie behind the scenes, this quarterfinal promises to deliver fireworks. It’s a Grand Slam champion vs. a rising force — and the result is anything but certain.
Stay tuned as Paolini and Gauff battle it out in Stuttgart — a matchup built on mutual respect, fierce competition, and a shared hunger to go all the way.
