Emma Raducanu’s promising run at the Italian Open was halted in ruthless fashion by world number three Coco Gauff.
The American stormed into the quarter-finals with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win. Although Raducanu had reached the fourth round in Rome for the first time after three straight clay victories, her momentum was no match for Gauff’s relentless power and precision.
From the onset, Gauff asserted control, returning with sharp accuracy and maintaining composure during tight moments on serve.
Gauff dominated, and though Raducanu attempted to settle, she struggled to counter the depth and pace of the American’s shots. As a former French Open finalist and recent Madrid finalist, Gauff used her growing clay-court prowess to exploit Raducanu’s weaknesses.
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Despite the heavy defeat, Raducanu remained optimistic in defeat. The 22-year-old insisted that she is committed to growing and finding positives in each performance. She admitted the match had been tough but emphasised that her focus remains on personal improvement and day-by-day progress.
Meanwhile, Gauff was gracious in victory, praising Raducanu’s potential while stating her own tactical edge in the match. She credited her forehand as the key weapon, one that frequently opened up the court and helped her dictate play.
Osaka falls, Paolini shines, and quarter-final line-up takes shape
Elsewhere in the tournament, Naomi Osaka’s recent resurgence came to an end after a dramatic encounter against American Peyton Stearns.
Despite suffering an on-court illness and disruptions from an Italian air force flyover, Stearns battled through to claim a gritty 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) win, ending Osaka’s eight-match winning streak.
Additionally, home favourite Jasmine Paolini thrilled the crowd with a 7-5, 6-2 triumph over Jelena Ostapenko. Meanwhile, World number one Aryna Sabalenka edged out Marta Kostyuk in a tighter contest.
Qinwen Zheng, Mirra Andreeva, Diana Shnaider, and Elina Svitolina all booked their spots in the last eight following their victories.
Tags: Emma Raducanu, Coco Gauff, Italian Open, Roland Garros, French Open, Aryna Sabalenka, Qinwen Zheng, Mirra Andreeva, Diana Shnaider, Elina Svitolina, Jasmine Paolini, Rome, #ItalianOpen, fourth-round, Naomi Osaka.
