Emma Raducanu really stepped up her clay-court game at the Italian Open. For the first time, she won three matches in a row and reached the fourth round in Rome. After an early exit in Madrid, she bounced back impressively. In the last 16, she faced Coco Gauff for only the second time since their 2023 Australian Open clash. Any hopes of an upset quickly faded as Gauff cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win. It was a clear reminder of why she’s one of the top players. And Emma agrees!

On Monday afternoon, Raducanu was simply outmatched by the fourth seed’s stellar performance. Fresh from her Madrid Open final run, Gauff delivered another top-notch display in this clash of former US Open champions to book her spot in Rome’s quarter-finals. She also made history as the youngest player to reach four quarterfinals in clay WTA 1000 events since 2009.

After the match, Raducanu told Sky Sports, “I found it really difficult match. I think the conditions were very different to my last rounds.” Like Raducanu back in 2021, Coco Gauff’s only major title so far came on the hard courts of the US Open two years ago. But she showed why she’s a force on clay, too.

Raducanu said, “It was a different court, and I think it was just very bouncy. There wasn’t much play on the court, and it was quite windy too. So, Coco also played a really good match, and I definitely saw why she’s two in the world right now. And she played really well, and I do think I got outplayed today. But I guess I have no shame in saying that I’m just looking forward to trying to work to get better.”

Clay has never been Emma Raducanu’s comfort zone. Like many British players, she didn’t grow up on the red dirt and still feels her way around it as a pro. Facing Coco Gauff marked just her 21st clay-court match, nowhere near the 81 she’s played on hard courts or the 20 on grass.

So, it’s no surprise she’s still finding her rhythm. Getting past Maya Joint, Jil Teichmann, and Veronika Kudermetova to reach Rome’s last 16 was a solid step forward. But going up against Gauff was a reality check. Her heavy, high-bouncing shots were a tough puzzle for Emma to crack, even with improved movement.

After starting the season with some of the best tennis of her career at the United Cup in January, Coco Gauff’s first few months were disappointing, with early defeats by players ranked outside the top 50. But the 21-year-old’s fortunes have rapidly turned on clay. The surface gives her more time to set up her forehand and impose its heavy topspin while amplifying her defensive skills.

This really shows why Raducanu can’t help but acknowledge Gauff’s No. 2 ranking right now. However, while it looked like a breeze, Gauff admitted it wasn’t easy on her either.

Coco Gauff gets candid about Emma’s improved form after clash in Rome

The 21-year-old said after the match, “[I needed] a little bit of luck because it was super windy so some points were very awkward to play. I would say my serve and definitely my forehand [hurt Raducanu]. I think I was able to use that a lot to move her around the court and really put her on defense for most of the match. So I think those were the two keys.”

Coco absolutely owned the serving stats, blasting 4 aces to Emma’s none but also committed more double faults (3 vs. 1). Their first serve percentages were close (64% vs. 63%), yet Coco won a commanding 76% of her first serve points compared to Emma’s 48%. She also edged ahead on second serve points, winning 56% to Emma’s 44%. When it came to break points, Coco made the most of 4 out of 9, while Emma couldn’t convert any of her 3 chances. Coco also took more receiving points (25 vs. 20) and racked up more total points (64 vs. 41).

Coco Gauff added, “I knew it was going to be a tougher match. She’s been playing some great tennis, and you know, she had a good win over Veronika, which is not easy to do. So yeah, I’m really happy with how I played today and yeah, definitely my best match so far here.” All in all, Coco’s powerful serve and sharp forehand, combined with clutch break point conversions and strong returns, gave her the edge.

Emma had already said this would be a real test on clay, and she wasn’t wrong! With the French Open coming up, a rematch could be on the cards. Plus, with her new ranking, Coco’s focus is on chasing grand slam glory rather than just holding her spot.

The American has reached the 2023 French Open final and last year’s semis, both times falling to Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, this is Emma’s second trip to Roland Garros since 2022. Will these two bring the heat if they meet again? Only time will tell! But we’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.