Coco Gauff achieved her first Top 10 victory of the season in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Tuesday night, defeating No.7 seed and Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen 7-6(4), 6-1 in Rome.
Gauff had to battle through three-set matches in her previous two rounds in Rome, making the 71-minute marathon opening set crucial to her success. She shook off missing a set point in the ninth game and dominated the second set with ease. This win marks her first against a Top 10 player this year.
This match marked Coco Gauff’s first-ever pro-level encounter with Zheng. Their only previous meeting was six years ago in the final of the prestigious Orange Bowl, where a 14-year-old Gauff defeated the 16-year-old Zheng 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
Gauff’s victory equals her best-ever result in Rome, having last reached the semifinals three years ago. For Zheng, this match was a chance to surpass her previous quarterfinal finish in Rome. Ultimately, Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, secured her spot in her sixth career WTA 1000 semifinal in 1 hour and 49 minutes, her second semifinal of the season after Indian Wells in March.
Looking ahead, Gauff faces a familiar opponent: World No.1 Iga Swiatek. Gauff has a 1-9 career record against Swiatek, including three straight-set losses on clay. Gauff acknowledges the long-term competition, saying, “It’s cool to see your peers move up… It’s going to be the same crew of people, God willing, everybody does well.”
Last month, the Gauff family was celebrating Coco’s on-court success and Codey’s recognition as a top baseball prospect. But today, the spotlight is on their youngest brother, Cameron, in a day filled with pure pride and excitement for the Gauff household. It’s Cam Bam’s moment to shine!
Recently, Coco Gauff’s father, Corey, shared a proud family moment on Instagram. Cameron, nicknamed “Cam Bam,” won not one, but two gold medals in track, triumphing in both the 100 meters and the 400 meters. Corey posted a picture of his youngest son with a heartfelt message: “Proud of Cam Bam first time running the 100 meters and won gold and won gold in 400 meters….. I love his desire to compete and participate.”
Coco Gauff, the third-ranked tennis player, showed her support by applauding her 10-year-old brother with a series of fire emojis, celebrating his achievement. Their mother, Candi Odom Gauff, also expressed her pride, commenting, “Great job Cameron!!!” Even professional tennis coach Jhonny Berrido joined in, praising the young athlete with a comment, “Vamossss (let’s go), Cam!” accompanied by clapping and fire emojis.
Coco Gauff has always acknowledged the influence of her brothers on her tennis career. At a press conference before the Qatar Open, she reflected on her role as the oldest sibling and mentor to Codey and Cameron. “I’m the oldest of three siblings. “Maybe that has something to do with it. I’m not sure, but I feel like I’ve had to learn a lot quickly,” she said. She also shared insights into their personalities: “Cameron, he’s the youngest one. He’s more empathetic and emotional, while Codey is more of the chill one. We know he loves us. We know he has a persona he likes to maintain.”
This special day celebrates not just Coco or Codey, but the incredible achievements of their youngest star, Cameron—Cam Bam!
