“It’s just a series of not having great results and feeling confident on the court,” Coco Guaff said after another heartbreaking loss in the R16 encounter against Magda Linette at the Miami Open last month. It was her fourth straight early exit from a tournament after succeeding in entering the QF stage of the Australian Open in January. But every day is a new day in tennis and Gauff knows it. This week, she’s competing at the Stuttgart Open where the 21-year-old is looking to make a deep run. But her journey won’t be easy as she’s set to face World No.6, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the R8 on Saturday.

Coco Gauff v Jasmine Paolini: Preview

Coco Gauff looked in great touch at the beginning of this year. She made it to the QF stage of the Happy Slam down under. Unfortunately, she couldn’t move forward after losing to Spain’s Paula Badosa, 7-5, 6-4. Despite the exit from AO, it looked like Gauff would continue with a solid form in subsequent events. Guess what? It didn’t happen.

In four back-to-back tournaments, Gauff faced early round exits – at the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells, and Miami Open. And for the record, she’s yet to reach even the SF stage of a WTA event this season. Could Stuttgart Open be that opportunity?

For now, it seems to be, given her winning form this week. In her opening match (R16) against Germany’s Ella Seidel, on Thursday, the American won in straight sets, with a brutal score involving two breadsticks (6-1, 6-1).

Speaking of her opponent, Jasmine Paolini, her 2025 season has also been unimpressive so far. Back in January, she was ousted in the third round of the Australian Open after losing to Elina Svitolina. Much like Gauff, she witnessed early exits in her next three events – the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, and Indian Wells. In her last event, however, she showed signs of a returning form.

At the Miami Open, the Italian managed to reach the SF stage before losing against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. Coming into the Stuttgart Open, she kicked off her campaign with a straight-set win over German talent Eva Lys (6-2, 6-1). Then, in the R16, she ousted another German WTA pro, Jule Niemeier, 6-1, 7-5, making her way into the quarterfinal round.

Gauff vs Paolini: Head-to-Head

Both players have met each other two times so far across WTA events. Currently, Gauff leads the h2h tally 2-0.

• 2023 Cincinnati Masters QF: Gauff 6-3, 6-2
• 2021 Adelaide International R32: Gauff 6-4, 7-6, 6-2

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in straight sets

Looking at their singles stats this season, Jasmine Paolini clearly has a crucial edge over Coco Gauff. The latter has won nine out of her fourteen matches. On the other hand, the Italian has won 12 of her 17 matches in total.

When it comes to event history, Gauff hasn’t witnessed extraordinary runs at the Stuttgart Open. In the last three appearances (2022, 2023, and 2024), she was ousted in R32, R16, and then managed to enter the QF stage last season. This year, she’s matched her best run from the previous edition.

Speaking of Paolini, she’s played in the event only once. Last season, she managed to reach the QF, before losing to Elena Rybakina, thus accomplishing her best run in Stuttgart. In the current edition, she’s matched that with another quarterfinal campaign.

Coming onto their playing styles, Gauff is known for her effective serve and groundstrokes. Not to mention her overall aggressive approach to building pressure on her opponents. She’s also good at showing amazing athleticism in order to cover the court well. Which means she can play smoothly from the baseline as well as near-the-net.

Paolini, on the other hand, is also known for her aggressive style. In her arsenal, she’s also got solid groundstrokes, including a powerful forehand. Despite having a short stature, her speed on the court is impressive. It allows her to move effortlessly between the net and the baseline.

While their ways of playing may seem almost similar, it looks like the World No.4 may have a chance in snatching the match against Paolini. Thanks to her clean h2h record.

While some understandably question Jasmine Paolini’s long-term staying power at the top of the sport, the Italian has recently demonstrated her capabilities with a semifinal appearance in Miami. Continuing this momentum, she swiftly defeated local players, Eva Lys and Jule Niemeier. Her upcoming match against Coco Gauff is a relatively rare occurrence, particularly since Paolini’s ascent to the top ranks. The American will be looking to rebound from a recent dip in form, and clay courts are typically where she excels.