**Candi Gauff’s Emotional Praise for Coco’s Gritty Victory**
Coco Gauff’s mother, Candi Gauff, hailed her daughter as a “warrior” after Coco’s epic 3-hour, 30-minute semifinal win over Zheng Qinwen at the Italian Open on May 15, 2025, securing her spot in the final. The 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-5 victory, the longest match of Gauff’s career, saw her rally from 3-5 down in the third set, saving two match points and overcoming 12 double faults. Candi, a former track athlete and constant presence in Coco’s career, took to social media to celebrate, posting on Instagram Stories, “What a fight! My warrior Coco! 😭🔥,” with a photo of Coco’s triumphant fist pump. Sportskeeda reported Candi’s emotional reaction, noting her pride in Coco’s resilience under pressure. Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one user, @VenusGauff, writing, “COCO INTO THE FINAL!!!!! 😭🔥🔥 what a fight, what a crazy match,” reflecting the match’s intensity.
**Match Context and Significance**
Gauff’s grueling win over No. 7 seed Zheng, ranked World No. 8, showcased her mental fortitude and improved clay-court game. She fired 22 winners and won 83% of first-serve points in critical moments, per TennisViz, despite windy conditions and a mid-match dip. The victory marked Gauff’s second WTA 1000 final and set up a showdown with Jasmine Paolini, whom she defeated 6-4, 6-3 on May 18 to claim the Rome title—her biggest on clay. Candi’s public support, also highlighted by sports.info, underscored Coco’s milestone as the youngest Italian Open finalist since 2012. This triumph, coupled with endorsements from figures like Noah Lyles, positions Gauff as a French Open favorite, with Candi’s heartfelt applause amplifying the emotional weight of her daughter’s ascent.
