Coco Gauff Reveals Key to Victory Over Jasmine Paolini in WTA Finals

Coco Gauff discussed her mindset entering today's match against Jasmine Paolini in the WTA Finals.

Coco Gauff discussed her mindset at the 2025 WTA Finals. | IMAGO / NurPhoto

Today's group stage match between the third-seeded Coco Gauff and eighth-seeded Jasmine Paolini was a win-or-go-home match for the two players who dropped their first match of the WTA Finals on Sunday.

It was not a huge surprise that Paolini lost to the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka earlier this week, but Jessica Pegula's three-set win over Gauff was an upset. Many of Gauff's technical issues flared up during the loss to Pegula.

However, Gauff played much better today. She did not hit any aces, but only double-faulted three times. Gauff won points on 67% and 75% of her first and second serves, respectively. She broke Paolini in 4/7 opportunities, while only getting broken 1/5 times.

Clinical Coco 💪@CocoGauff | #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/nDAKA5dm0U

— wta (@WTA) November 4, 2025

Coco Gauff's Serve

Gauff revealed what she was most proud of in her post-match interview, "Definitely serve. I thought I served smart, and, yeah, I think overall return, everything. I don't think Jasmine was 100% today, so I would like her to give her well wishes in her next few matches here today. Playing singles and doubles is not easy.

However, the biggest key to victory was her mindset. Gauff mentioned it during her on-court interview and again later when speaking with the Tennis Channel.

When asked about mental fortitude she could share with fans, Gauff said, "I don't know, I just try to give myself the best chance to win. I felt like my last match, I wasn't so positive, so I was just trying not to let that be a repeat of today."

The defending champion is on the board! 💥@CocoGauff defeats Paolini 6-3, 6-2 and secures her first group win. #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/BOdeFbSsqp

— wta (@WTA) November 4, 2025

Coco Gauff's Mental Strength

When asked if she felt the pressure of defending her WTA Finals title, Gauff replied, "Yes, and no. Knowing that no one has defended it in however many years definitely takes the pressure off, and honestly, yeah, there's a reason.

You're playing the top eight in the world; this round robin format is so hard. I'm used to, like, when I'm losing, sulking in bed for a few days, and having to come back and play matches is so unique. So, yeah, I'm just happy that I was able to get through this one today."

Coco Gauff is taking pressure off herself as the defending champion. 😮‍💨

The No. 3 also talked plans for Halloween 2026. 🎃
⁰#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/7XJoUb8eOV

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 4, 2025

Gauff improves to 48-15 on the season. She will face Aryna Sabalenka in her next match on Thursday, November 6. Gauff holds a 6-5 advantage over Sabalenka, including their last meeting in the 2025 French Open final.

The 2025 WTA Finals runs through November 8. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.