WTA Rome: Veronika Kudermetova vs Emma Raducanu

WTA Rome: Veronika Kudermetova vs Emma Raducanu

🧠 Form & Context

Veronika Kudermetova
The Russian has survived two intense straight-set battles to reach the third round, notably creating 19 breakpoints against Amanda Anisimova in a tense win. Although her 2025 season has been patchy, Rome has historically been a happy hunting ground—she reached the semifinals here in 2023, showing her comfort on clay.

Emma Raducanu
The Brit is starting to find her rhythm on red clay, following a hard-fought win over Maya Joint with a composed 6–2, 6–2 victory against Jil Teichmann. Still relatively inexperienced on this surface at tour level, Raducanu is displaying better movement and depth but remains a work-in-progress when it comes to handling long rallies on slow courts.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Kudermetova's aggressive serve and flat hitting can dominate when she's feeling confident, and Rome’s conditions suit her game well. Her ability to maintain pressure across sets could trouble Raducanu, who still faces an adaptation curve on clay.

However, Raducanu has shown signs of her trademark tactical intelligence, especially in targeting opponent weaknesses. If she keeps rallies long and forces Kudermetova into extended exchanges, the Russian’s inconsistency under pressure could come into play.

This shapes up as a clash of momentum: Kudermetova’s proven clay pedigree against Raducanu’s raw but rising clay form. Whichever player manages nerves better in tight moments will likely emerge victorious.

🔮 Prediction

Expect a competitive, seesaw match. Kudermetova’s clay-court comfort and experience edge her slightly ahead, but Raducanu remains a serious upset threat if she keeps it physical and mental.

Prediction: Kudermetova in 3 sets, with Raducanu pushing hard in a close contest.