In a moment that captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide, Emma Raducanu’s post-match interview at the 2025 Italian Open took an unexpected turn when she learned live on court that her next opponent would be none other than world No. 3 Coco Gauff. The 22-year-old Briton, fresh off a commanding 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in the third round, was visibly shocked, her eyes widening as she asked Sky Sports presenter Gigi Salmon, “I haven’t looked at the draw to be honest, but she’s a great competitor. Are you sure I’m playing Coco?” The lighthearted exchange, met with laughter from the crowd at Rome’s Foro Italico, underscored Raducanu’s focus on the present and her unassuming charm as she prepares for a blockbuster fourth-round clash.
Raducanu’s journey to the round of 16 has been a testament to her growing confidence on clay, a surface where she has historically been “finding her feet.” Her third-round match against Kudermetova, a former world No. 9, was a rollercoaster of emotions. The first set saw Raducanu serve for the set at 5-4, only to falter under pressure as Kudermetova’s aggressive returns forced errors. “I threw in a pretty poor game at 5-4 serving,” Raducanu admitted, reflecting on the moment. “I felt under pressure on Veronika’s returns—she was literally red-lining everything, and it was all going in.” Undeterred, Raducanu regrouped, dominating the final two sets by winning 12 of the last 13 games, showcasing her tactical versatility and mental resilience.
The match wasn’t without controversy. Leading 5-0 in the second set, Raducanu faced a disruption when Kudermetova took a lengthy medical timeout, leaving the court for several minutes. Raducanu later suggested it was an attempt to “throw me off,” but her composure held firm. “Luckily, I was 5-0 up when she took the timeout,” she said with a smile. “I kind of kept my cool and served it out. In the third set, I was really on it.” This ability to refocus, especially after the sting of losing the first set, marked significant progress for the 2021 US Open champion. “It’s hard after serving for the first set—it doesn’t just slip out of your mind,” she noted. “I’m really happy with how I re-focused.”
Raducanu’s path to this stage has been paved with gritty performances. She opened her Rome campaign with a three-set win over Australian qualifier Maya Joint (7-5, 6-7, 6-3), followed by a 6-2, 6-2 rout of lucky loser Jil Teichmann. Her victory over Kudermetova marked the first time she has won three consecutive matches at a clay-court event, propelling her to No. 42 in the live rankings. This run, coupled with her quarterfinal appearance at the Miami Open earlier this year, signals a resurgence for Raducanu, who is chasing her second career title.
Now, she faces a formidable challenge in Gauff, the fourth seed and a clay-court specialist who reached the 2022 French Open final and the Madrid Open final just last week. Gauff advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Magda Linette, though her performance was marred by six double faults. The American holds a 1-0 head-to-head edge, having defeated Raducanu 6-3, 7-6(4) in the 2023 Australian Open second round. Acknowledging Gauff’s prowess, Raducanu said, “I think I’m playing pretty good tennis right now, and she is going to be a great test. She’s made the final of the French Open, so she’s great on this surface.” Yet, she remained focused on savoring her latest victory, adding, “I’m just going to keep focused but savor this one for now.”
Raducanu’s tactical evolution on clay has been a highlight of her campaign. With guidance from coach Mark Petchey and mentor Jane O’Donoghue, she has embraced a more aggressive style, blending powerful forehands with strategic returns. “I was able to return from two different positions, up and back, which is new,” she explained, noting how this approach has improved her positioning in rallies. Her ability to dictate points was evident against Kudermetova, where she converted 18 of 32 break-point opportunities.
As Raducanu prepares for Gauff, the tennis world anticipates a clash of former US Open champions. “It’s exciting—it’s going to be a match where I can test myself,” Raducanu said, her enthusiasm palpable. The match, scheduled for Monday, May 12, at approximately 2 p.m. UK time, will be broadcast on Sky Sports. A victory could see Raducanu overtake Katie Boulter as British No. 1 and further solidify her clay-court credentials ahead of Roland Garros. For now, Raducanu’s candid reaction and relentless spirit have endeared her to fans, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Rome.
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