Emma Raducanu’s promising run at the Italian Open came to a swift halt on Monday as world number three Coco Gauff proved too powerful, defeating the British number two 6-1 6-2 on the clay of Rome.
Despite the heavy scoreline, the match marked a positive milestone for Raducanu, who had strung together three consecutive wins on clay for the first time in her career — a surface she has historically found difficult. But against the American star and reigning US Open champion, Raducanu was quickly reminded of the gap that still exists between her and the game’s elite.
“I didn’t win on the match court today, but I’m going to find a way to win the day still,” Raducanu said after the loss. “It was a tough one at the office, I just have to take a lot of positives.”
Gauff, 21, arrived in Rome in strong form after finishing runner-up in Madrid last week, and wasted no time asserting her dominance. Returning with venom and serving with authority, she left Raducanu little space to settle. Her high-kicking forehand and supreme court coverage proved too much for the Briton, whose movement has improved but remains a work in progress on the red dirt.
“Emma is a tough opponent no matter what surface and always tough to play,” said Gauff. “But I’m happy with how I played. My level is getting better with every match.”
While the result may sting, Raducanu’s overall performance in Rome is cause for cautious optimism. Victories over Australia’s Maya Joint, Swiss lucky loser Jil Teichmann, and 17th seed Veronika Kudermetova marked a step forward for the 22-year-old, who has been searching for rhythm and confidence after two injury-hit seasons.
Clay has never been Raducanu’s natural home. Like many British players, she had limited experience on the surface growing up and only now is beginning to adapt her game to it. Her match against Gauff was just the 21st clay-court contest of her career — compared to 81 on hard courts.
That context makes her Rome run even more commendable. While she struggled to dictate play against the explosive Gauff, Raducanu showed improved footwork, better shot selection, and a clearer tactical identity. It’s progress — not perfection — that now defines her 2025 campaign.
A key factor behind her recent revival has been the calming influence of former coach and commentator Mark Petchey, who has joined her camp in an informal capacity. Working alongside long-time confidante Jane O’Donoghue, who is currently on sabbatical from her finance job, the pair have fostered a more relaxed and focused Raducanu — one who seems increasingly at ease on tour.
Since Petchey’s involvement, Raducanu has won eight of her 11 matches, climbing back into the WTA top 50. Her ranking of 49 leaves her on the cusp of surpassing British number one Katie Boulter, who suffered a first-round exit in Rome. A win over Gauff would have seen Raducanu reclaim the top spot in British women’s tennis — a title she last held in mid-2023.
The battle for that position is heating up. Alongside Boulter and Raducanu, rising star Sonay Kartal is closing in. The 23-year-old has had a breakout year, reaching a career-high of 59th and putting herself firmly in the mix.
Looking ahead to Roland Garros, which begins on 25 May, Raducanu will carry quiet confidence. The French Open may be her least experienced Grand Slam, but with improved fitness, a stable support team, and tangible momentum, she arrives with something she hasn’t had in a while — belief.
Whether her clay-court journey ends in the early rounds or sees her make a deeper run, Rome has reminded the tennis world — and Raducanu herself — that she’s still a player with plenty to offer.
And perhaps, just perhaps, the best is yet to come.
