Gauff ends Raducanu’s Rome dream

Coco Gauff triumphed over Emma Raducanu in the fourth round of the Italian Open on Monday, winning 6-1, 6-2 in just 80 minutes. Gauff’s strong serve and consistent groundstrokes helped her dominate rallies, while Raducanu was unable to take advantage on her service games, failing to hit any aces and winning fewer points on both first and second serves.

World number 49, Raducanu, had earlier impressed by coming from behind to beat Veronika Kudermetova, but against Gauff, she was rarely able to challenge the American’s pace and precision. This defeat ended Raducanu’s run in Rome, but she is expected to rise slightly in the rankings ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.

Gauff, who recently reached the final of the Madrid Open, will next face either Clara Tauson or Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. Her performance in Rome continues a strong clay season, with eight wins in her last nine matches, and she is aiming to continue with this speed as she heads into Roland Garros.

Also in the women’s draw, Zheng Qinwen reached the last 16 by beating Bianca Andreescu 7-5, 6-3. Jasmine Paolini, the Italian No. 5 and defending doubles champion, also progressed comfortably. World number one, Aryna Sabalenka moved past Marta Kostyuk and will now face Zheng at the quarter-final.

Monday’s action at the Foro Italico featured notable matches on the men’s side. Men’s No. 1 Jannik Sinner returned to competition after a three-month suspension, winning his second-round match against Jesper de Jong 6-4, 6-2. 

Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul both secured wins to set up exciting fourth-round clashes. Novak Djokovic, the three-time Rome champion, also moved forward with a solid victory over Alexander Zverev, the defending champion.

Casper Ruud advanced after Matteo Berrettini retired early in their match, with Ruud leading 7-5, 2-0. Other winners included Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Marcos Giron in three sets, and Jakub Mensik, who won a tight contest against Fabian Marozsan.