Emma Raducanu Advances to Third Round at Italian Open

ROME, Italy — Emma Raducanu showcased her growing confidence on clay with a convincing second-round victory at the Italian Open, defeating Swiss lucky loser Jil Teichmann 6-2, 6-2.

The British number two, who learned just hours before the match that she would face Teichmann, clinched her second consecutive win on outdoor clay after triumphing in Madrid earlier this week.

This victory marks Raducanu’s first time reaching the last 32 in Rome, although she acknowledges that tougher challenges lie ahead. “I still don’t feel really comfortable [on clay],” said the 22-year-old. “I guess in a way it helps I have to be super focused on every single point.”

Raducanu was originally scheduled to play 20th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova, who withdrew due to injury. Instead, she found herself up against Teichmann, a player adept on clay and previously ranked as high as 21.

<p“I had to adjust my game to her style,” Raducanu noted. “I hadn’t played a left-handed opponent since February and it took some time to figure it out.”

Next, Raducanu will face Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova, who is ranked 50th in the world. The 2021 US Open champion aims to sharpen her game during the European clay season in preparation for the upcoming French Open.

Raducanu emphasized the importance of playing aggressively on clay. “It’s about controlling the points,” she explained. “My service game improved significantly. I didn’t lose my serve and won 73% of my first-serve points.”

Despite her recent successes, Raducanu recognizes the need for continued improvement. “After Miami, I made some tweaks, and while it’s not a finished product, there is room to grow,” she added.

Meanwhile, fellow British player Sonay Kartal was eliminated from the tournament after losing 6-4, 6-2 to Czech 30th seed Linda Noskova. Other seeded players, including Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, also moved on to the next round.