Coco Gauff makes frustrations clear with Italian Open conditions after Alexander Zverev’s complaints

Coco Gauff Voices Frustrations Over Italian Open Conditions Following Alexander Zverev’s Complaints

Tennis star Coco Gauff has joined the growing list of players expressing frustration with the court conditions at the Italian Open, echoing similar concerns raised earlier by Alexander Zverev.

Gauff, a fan favorite and rising force on the WTA Tour, did not hold back when discussing the clay surface in Rome, which has been a point of contention throughout the tournament. Players have noted issues with uneven bounces, poor court maintenance, and dusty, slippery surfaces that are affecting performance and player safety.

“It’s frustrating,” Gauff said in a post-match interview. “We train all year to compete at the highest level, and then you come to a big event like this and have to deal with conditions that aren’t up to standard.”

Her comments come just days after Alexander Zverev also criticized the courts, calling them “dangerous” and urging organizers to take immediate action to protect players. Zverev, a former Rome finalist, mentioned poor ball bounce and shifting clay as serious concerns.

Gauff’s frustrations highlight a broader issue that has drawn backlash from both ATP and WTA players. Many feel that the Italian Open, as a premier clay-court event, needs to better maintain its facilities — especially with Roland Garros just around the corner.

While both Gauff and Zverev managed to advance in their respective draws, the spotlight is now on tournament organizers, who have yet to respond to the mounting criticism.

With more top players speaking out, pressure is building for changes — not only in Rome but across the tour — to ensure fair and safe playing conditions are prioritized.