Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass at the Italian Open, dismantling Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in a commanding Round of 16 clash—and the American star didn’t hold back when unveiling the key to her decisive triumph. The 21-year-old, fresh off a runner-up finish at the Madrid Open, showcased her evolving clay-court prowess, but it was a specific element of her game that she credits for overwhelming Raducanu. Gauff’s post-match revelations shed light on the tactical edge that could propel her to her first WTA title of 2025.
How Coco Gauff’s revamped weapon sealed Raducanu’s fate
Gauff didn’t mince words when dissecting her dominant performance. “Today, my forehand was a big weapon,” she declared after the match. The shot, often critiqued in her early career, proved transformative against Emma Raducanu, generating relentless depth and angles that forced the Briton into defensive scrambles.
“It set me up for a lot of short balls,” Gauff added, highlighting how her improved forehand allowed her to dictate rallies and finish points ruthlessly.
Brutal conditions at Rome’s Foro Italico tested both players. Gusty winds and a dry, gritty court surface threatened to disrupt rhythm, but Coco Gauff’s adaptability shone.
“It was super windy… this court is super dry compared to the others,” she noted.
Having played a prior match on the same court, Gauff adjusted swiftly, using her forehand to counter the unpredictable elements.
“I knew what to expect, and I’m really happy with how I played.”
Gauff awarded herself an “A” for her execution against Emma Raducanu—a stark contrast to her Madrid final loss to Aryna Sabalenka.
“Madrid was a step in the right direction, but I don’t like losing finals,” she admitted.
The Italian Open has become her redemption arc, with her forehand now a reliable asset rather than a liability.
Emma Raducanu’s uphill battle
Raducanu, still rebuilding consistency after injury setbacks, struggled to counter Coco Gauff’s precision. The 2021 U.S. Open champion managed just three games, her second Round of 16 exit this season following a similar result in Miami. While her fighting spirit remains intact, Gauff’s tactical evolution proved insurmountable.
Clay-Court momentum builds
Gauff’s Rome run—now into the quarterfinals—signals her growing threat on clay. With her forehand firing and confidence soaring, she’s poised to challenge rivals like Iga Swiątek and Aryna Sabalenka. “My form is getting better every match,” she asserted, a warning to the rest of the field.
Coco Gauff’s forehand transformation isn’t just a technical tweak—it’s a mental breakthrough. By turning a perceived weakness into a strength, she’s redefined her game on the sport’s most demanding surface. As the French Open looms, this newfound weapon could be her ticket to Grand Slam glory.