WTA Rome: Coco Gauff vs Emma Raducanu

WTA Rome: Coco Gauff vs Emma Raducanu

🧠 Form & Context

Coco Gauff
Gauff’s path to the fourth round hasn’t been straightforward—she needed three sets against Victoria Mboko and a gritty two-set win over Magda Linette. Still, after her runner-up finish in Madrid, the American enters Rome with confidence. Twice a semifinalist here (2021, 2024), Gauff’s defensive prowess, movement, and growing clay-court maturity make her a constant threat, even when not at her best.

Emma Raducanu
Raducanu’s resurgence continues. After battling through Maya Joint and upsetting Veronika Kudermetova from a set down, she’s playing her best tennis of 2025. Though clay remains her least natural surface, her backhand has looked sharp, and her fighting spirit has been key to her Rome success so far. This will be her first attempt to reach a WTA-level outdoor clay quarterfinal.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Gauff’s ability to extend rallies, vary her spin, and defend deep in the court will be vital against Raducanu’s clean ball-striking. If Raducanu lands a high percentage of first serves and controls tempo with her backhand, she could trouble Gauff. However, Gauff’s topspin-heavy forehand and superior movement on clay give her a tactical edge in longer rallies.

The big variable remains Gauff’s serve: occasional patches of double faults could invite pressure. But her Rome track record suggests she knows how to problem-solve here better than most, especially against a less experienced clay opponent.

Key Factors:
- Gauff’s serve reliability under pressure.
- Raducanu’s ability to shorten points and attack second serves.
- Gauff’s superior clay-court defensive skills in extended rallies.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Raducanu’s rise has been impressive, but Gauff’s clay comfort and resilience should see her through. Expect a competitive match, with Gauff using her athleticism to pull away in key moments.

🧩 Prediction: Gauff in 2 tight sets, possibly with a tiebreak.