Coco Gauff discloses the ‘big weapon’ she had against Emma Raducanu which helped her win their match comfortably in Italy

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Coco Gauff is through to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open after defeating Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2.

In the battle of the former US Open champions, Gauff dominated her opponent, wrapping up both sets in quick succession.

The American continues her impressive clay swing, having made the final of the Madrid Open, where Gauff ultimately lost to Aryna Sabalenka.

This was the Briton’s second Round of 16 appearance this season. Raducanu previously made the fourth round at the Miami Open.

Following her comfortable victory over Raducanu at the Italian Open, Gauff spoke on how she was able to dominate the contest.

Coco Gauff says her forehand was a ‘big weapon’ in victory over Emma Raducanu

Rating the performance after her dominant victory over Raducanu, Gauff said: “Definitely an A. It was tough conditions. It was super windy and this court is super dry compared to the other ones.”

“I played a match on here yesterday so I knew what to expect. Emma is a tough opponent no matter what surface and she is tough to play so I am really happy with how I played.”

“The 21-year-old said of her current form: “It’s getting better every match, I think. Madrid was a step in the right direction, and I lost in the finals. I don’t like losing, but especially in the finals, so I hope I can redeem myself here.”

She added: “Today I think my forehand was a big weapon and it set me up for a lot of short balls, so I would say that is going to help me the most.”

Coco Gauff now has the second-most wins at the Italian Open before turning 22

With her triumph over Raducanu, Gauff now has 15 career wins at the Italian Open, having entered the competition six times.

Of any player in the Open Era, the former US Open champion now has the second most wins at the tournament before turning 22, trailing only Gabriela Sabatini, who had 27 before her 22nd birthday.

Gauff made her first appearance at the Italian Open in 2020, and has appeared at the WTA 1000 event every year since.

Her best campaigns came in 2021 and 2024, where in both years she fell to Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.

Gauff is pursuing her eleventh career title at this year’s Italian Open, and her second of the season.