“Take It Home”- Coco Gauff Shocks With Unexpected Wish for Rival Jasmine Paolini After Crushing Rome Loss
**Coco Gauff’s Classy Wish for Jasmine Paolini After Italian Open Final Loss**
Coco Gauff displayed remarkable sportsmanship after her 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Jasmine Paolini in the Italian Open final on May 17, 2025, shocking fans with a heartfelt wish for her rival’s success. In her on-court speech, Gauff said, “Congrats, Jasmine, on this incredible achievement. You’re an incredible person and player. It’s always tough playing you. Good luck in the doubles final. I hope you guys can take it home,” as reported by EssentiallySports.com. The unexpected gesture, wishing Paolini and her doubles partner Sara Errani victory in the doubles final, highlighted Gauff’s grace despite the crushing loss.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-take-it-home-coco-gauff-shocks-with-unexpected-wish-for-rival-jasmine-paolini-after-crushing-rome-loss/)
Paolini, who became the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Rome singles title and later secured the doubles crown, reciprocated the kindness, praising Gauff’s “amazing week” and character, per @TheTennisLetter on X. Gauff’s performance was hampered by 28 unforced errors and a foot injury, per ESPN, yet her focus on Paolini’s historic feat—joining an elite club with the singles-doubles double, last achieved 35 years ago—earned widespread admiration. Fans on X, like @SK__Tennis, noted Gauff’s “brutally honest” reflection on her errors, while @TheCatcherMgz called her mentally “flat,” making her positivity stand out.
Gauff’s wish for Paolini to “take it home” in doubles, which Paolini did, underscored her ability to celebrate a rival’s success despite personal disappointment. Andy Roddick and Jim Courier called the loss “concerning” for Gauff’s French Open hopes, per TennisUpToDate.com, but her classy demeanor resonated more. X posts, like @DExpress_Sport, praised her “true colours” shining through, contrasting with harsh fan criticism on Facebook labeling her performance “disgusting.” Gauff’s $525,475 runner-up cheque, per Sportskeeda, softened the blow, but her genuine support for Paolini’s doubles bid stole the spotlight, cementing her reputation as a gracious competitor.
