Coco Gauff at the Italian Open

May 15, 2026, 17:56
EuropeSports

Introduction

Coco Gauff played in the Italian Open. She reached the final in the singles competition.

Main Body

Gauff won her match against Sorana Cirstea. She is only one of three young American women to reach many clay finals before age 21. In the final, Gauff played Jasmine Paolini. Paolini won the match. Gauff said she played poorly and Paolini played very well. Gauff also played doubles with Caty McNally. They stopped playing in the quarterfinals. McNally was sick, so they left the tournament.

Conclusion

Gauff came in second place in singles. She did not finish the doubles competition because her partner was ill.

Learning

The 'Past Action' Pattern

Look at these words from the story:

  • played
  • reached
  • won
  • stopped

What is happening? These words tell us about things that are finished.

The Rule: To talk about yesterday or last year, we often add -ed to the end of the action word.

  • Play →\rightarrow Played
  • Reach →\rightarrow Reached
  • Stop →\rightarrow Stopped

The 'Rule Breakers': Some words don't follow the -ed rule. You just have to memorize them!

  • Win →\rightarrow Won (Not "winned")

Quick Word Switch:

  • Sick →\rightarrow Ill (These two words mean the same thing in the text)

Vocabulary Learning

played (v.)
to take part in a game or sport
Example:I played tennis with my friend yesterday.
match (n.)
a game or contest between two people or teams
Example:The match between Gauff and Paolini was exciting.
won (v.)
to be victorious in a contest
Example:She won the match.
tournament (n.)
a series of contests or competitions
Example:The Italian Open is a tennis tournament.
sick (adj.)
not feeling well
Example:Caty McNally was sick during the tournament.
ill (adj.)
not healthy or feeling sick
Example:Her partner was ill, so they could not finish.
final (n.)
the last game or contest in a competition
Example:Gauff reached the final.
partner (n.)
a person who works with you in a team
Example:Her partner was ill.