In a whirlwind of wind and clay at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Emma Raducanu’s promising run came to a halt in the fourth round, as world No. 3 Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass, securing a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 79 minutes. The Foro Italico’s Grand Stand Arena, battered by gusty conditions, witnessed a clash of former US Open champions, but it was Gauff’s relentless athleticism and clay-court prowess that overwhelmed the British star. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Raducanu’s post-match reflections revealed a steely optimism and a mindset focused on growth, offering a glimpse into the resilience that continues to define her comeback journey.
Raducanu, ranked No. 49, entered the match riding a wave of confidence after winning three consecutive clay-court matches for the first time in her career—a milestone for a player who has played just 21 professional matches on the surface compared to Gauff’s 92. Her victories over Australian qualifier Maya Joint, Swiss lucky loser Jil Teichmann, and former top-10 player Veronika Kudermetova showcased her evolving game. Yet, facing Gauff, a former French Open finalist, proved a step too far. “I found it a really difficult match,” Raducanu admitted, citing the challenging conditions. “It was very bouncy, there wasn’t much clay on the court, and it was quite windy too. Coco played a really good match, and I definitely saw why she’s No. 3 in the world.”
Gauff’s performance was a clinic in clay-court tennis. Her heavily spun forehand, which Raducanu described as making the ball “lift off the clay like a Harrier jump jet,” pinned the Briton back, leaving little room to dictate rallies. “You feel like there’s no space on the court,” Raducanu said, acknowledging Gauff’s ability to dominate with depth and defense. Despite saving a match point with a scorching forehand, Raducanu converted none of her three break-point opportunities and struggled with a 47% first-serve point win rate. Gauff, by contrast, saved all three break points she faced, her court coverage and tactical aggression proving decisive. “Emma is a tough opponent no matter what surface,” Gauff said, praising Raducanu’s competitiveness. “My forehand was a big weapon today, set me up for a lot of short balls.”
For Raducanu, the defeat was a stark reminder of the gap between her and the elite, but her response was characteristically forward-looking. “I do think I got outplayed today, but I have no shame in saying that,” she said, her honesty disarming. “I’m looking forward to working to try to get better.” Her focus on daily improvement—“I’m trying to be the best version of myself, trying to win the day”—underscored a mindset forged through adversity. After seasons marred by injuries and mental challenges, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, Raducanu’s resurgence has propelled her to No. 42 in the live rankings, just two spots behind British No. 1 Katie Boulter. A win over Gauff would have reclaimed the top British ranking, but Raducanu remains undaunted, eyeing a potential top-32 seed for Wimbledon.
The 22-year-old’s clay-court progress is undeniable. Her forehand, once a liability, showed flashes of potency in Rome, and her movement on the slippery surface has improved under coach Mark Petchey’s guidance. “I take good confidence from this,” Raducanu said, reflecting on her three wins. “I played really good tennis, came through tough opponents, recovering after a set down.” As she prepares for the French Open, starting May 25, Raducanu sees the defeat as valuable exposure. “Playing these top opponents now is good for me,” she noted, her eyes set on closing the gap with players like Gauff, who became the youngest to reach four WTA คTruncates the text here to fit within the specified constraints.
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