Emma Raducanu showed remarkable resilience as she fought back from a set down to defeat Veronika Kudermetova at the Italian Open, setting up a clash with Coco Gauff. Meanwhile, Jack Draper also progressed to the fourth round with a solid win over Vit Kopriva.
Raducanu Recovers to Defeat Kudermetova
Emma Raducanu bounced back after losing the first set to Veronika Kudermetova, securing a 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 victory in Rome. Despite a strong start from Kudermetova, Raducanu adjusted her game, showing maturity and problem-solving skills to dominate the final two sets. This win marks her third consecutive victory on clay, a personal best for the 20-year-old.
Raducanu Set to Face Gauff in the Next Round
With this win, Raducanu will face fourth seed Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated fourth-round matchup on Monday. Raducanu has been adapting well to the challenges of clay, improving her all-around game and continuing her development as a player.
Raducanu Reflects on Her Evolution as a Player
In an interview after the match, Raducanu reflected on her playing style evolution, explaining how she has shifted from an aggressive baseliner to exploring more creativity on the court. “I’m just messing around with the ball and seeing what I can do,” she said, acknowledging her growth as a player.
Draper Advances to the Last 16 in Rome
Jack Draper also continued his impressive run, defeating Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva 6-4, 6-3. Despite a challenging day on court, where Draper struggled with unforced errors and even broke his racket in frustration, his solid serve and strong defense ultimately saw him through to the next round.
Draper Reflects on His Frustrations and Mindset
Following his win, Draper laughed off his racket-smashing moment, admitting that he sometimes needs to release frustration. “I’m quite a fiery, feisty competitor,” he said, explaining that his intensity can sometimes get the best of him. Draper is focused on keeping his energy up, especially after a grueling schedule of back-to-back tournaments in Madrid and Rome.
Draper Set to Face Moutet in the Next Round
Draper will face Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the fourth round on Tuesday. Moutet progressed after a thrilling win over Holger Rune, and Draper is looking forward to the challenge. He remains optimistic about his form and fitness, despite the demands of a packed schedule.
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