Emma Raducanu’s promising journey at the 2025 Italian Open came to a halt in the last 16 after a straight-sets defeat to world number three Coco Gauff. The 21-year-old American showcased her class on the clay courts of Rome, overcoming the British number two with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win.
Raducanu, currently ranked 49th in the WTA rankings, had delivered an encouraging performance in the earlier rounds, notching three consecutive wins on clay for the first time in her professional career. Her run to the fourth round marked a significant milestone, as it demonstrated her growing comfort and development on a surface that has historically not been her strongest. However, when faced with the formidable Gauff, she was unable to maintain that momentum.
Gauff, who won the US Open in 2023, has been a consistent performer on clay, having reached the French Open final back in 2022. She came into the match against Raducanu in solid form, having just finished as a finalist at the Madrid Open a week earlier. That clay-court experience and confidence translated well into her performance in Rome. From the outset, she applied relentless pressure on Raducanu’s serve and displayed solid baseline play, particularly with her forehand, which she later described as her key weapon during the match.
In contrast, Raducanu struggled to find rhythm. While she had played impressively in earlier rounds — defeating the likes of Angelique Kerber and Paula Badosa — Gauff’s level represented a significant step up in opposition. The American’s aggressive returning immediately put Raducanu on the back foot. In addition, Gauff’s resilience in her own service games — where she saved several break points — left Raducanu with few chances to establish control.
After the match, Gauff gave Raducanu credit for her tenacity and skill, noting that she’s always a tough competitor regardless of the surface. “Emma is a tough opponent no matter what surface and always tough to play — so I’m happy with how I played,” Gauff said in her post-match interview with Sky Sports. She also expressed satisfaction with her evolving form. “My level is getting better every match and Madrid was a step in the right direction. Today I think my forehand was a big weapon, set me up for a lot of short balls and a lot of good points.”
Raducanu, for her part, remained philosophical despite the defeat. She acknowledged the quality of her opponent and the difficulties she faced on the court but remained focused on maintaining a positive mindset. “I didn’t win on the match court today, but I’m going to find a way to win the day still today,” she said. “It was a tough one at the office. I just have to take a lot of positives.”
Indeed, there are numerous positives for Raducanu to take from her run in Rome. Since returning to the tour after an extended injury layoff, she has shown signs of steady improvement, and her performance in Italy suggests she is making tangible progress in her game — particularly on clay. Winning three matches in succession on the surface, especially against experienced players, is an encouraging sign as she builds momentum heading into the French Open.
Her movement and point construction have both seen noticeable improvements, and while her serve and return game still need consistency at the highest level, her ability to adapt to different playing conditions is becoming more evident. For Raducanu, the key takeaway from this week may not be the loss to Gauff, but rather the overall progression she’s displayed.
Gauff, meanwhile, continues to solidify her place among the top players in women’s tennis. With her explosive athleticism, growing maturity, and powerful groundstrokes, she has become a consistent threat on all surfaces. Her run to the final in Madrid followed by another deep tournament in Rome confirms that she is peaking at the right time with the French Open fast approaching.
The clash between Raducanu and Gauff also served as a reminder of how their careers have paralleled in some ways. Both enjoyed breakout moments at the US Open — Raducanu famously winning the title as a qualifier in 2021, while Gauff captured the crown in 2023. Now, as they continue to evolve and mature on tour, both players are striving to add depth and consistency to their games, especially on clay, a surface that demands patience, versatility, and physical endurance.
Ultimately, while Gauff was the clear winner in Rome, Raducanu can hold her head high for reaching the last 16 of a prestigious WTA 1000 event, signaling her potential for further success in the European clay season. With continued hard work and match play, she may well be a player to watch as Roland Garros approaches.
