Emma Raducanu admits the feeling she had against Veronika Kudermetova which was ‘not nice’ despite her win

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Emma Raducanu has set up a tantalising Italian Open round of 16 clash with Coco Gauff after battling past Veronika Kudermetova.

Raducanu praised the Italian Open fans after winning her first match of the WTA 1000 tournament against Maya Joint.

Former world number 10 Raducanu then overcame Jil Teichmann in round two before a third round victory over Kudermetova.

Ex-professional Marion Bartoli thinks Raducanu has improved her movement on clay, with fourth seed Gauff now up next for the 22-year-old.

Both WTA stars have one Grand Slam title to their names, having both emerged victorious at the US Open.

Emma Raducanu admits having ‘not a nice feeling’ despite Italian Open win

But despite her battling victory over Kudermetova, Raducanu has shared a slight frustration with herself in Rome.

“For me the best thing about today was recovering after losing the first set having served for it,” she said after the match.

READ MORE: WTA Italian Open 2025 – how to watch, top players, prize money & predictions

“A pretty poor game at 5-4, serving. I felt under pressure on Veronica’s return, so was red lining everything and it was all going in.

“I was like I don’t know where to serve. It was not a nice feeling to have. And I’m so proud of myself for how I didn’t let the rest of the match get away from me. That’s big progress from matches I have played in the past.”

What Emma Raducanu is happy and not happy with ahead of match with Coco Gauff

Raducanu can be hugely proud of her efforts against Kudermetova, having come from behind to win 5-7, 6-0, 6-1.

The 2021 US Open champion showed superb determination and courage to secure the win, triumphing after two hours and 32 minutes of action.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu claims she has ‘completely’ changed one of her shots recently and it’s already working

Gauff meanwhile, the fourth seed at the tournament, took one hour and 41 minutes to beat Magda Linette 7-5, 6-3.

The 2023 US Open champion beat Raducanu in their only previous career meeting, but the Briton is feeling somewhat confident after her latest win.

Discussing what she is happy with and what she isn’t happy with, the former British number one said: “I am happy with the variety that I have on my shots.

“I think I am able to return from two different positions up and back, which is new. I have adopted the back a lot more in the last two matches and it’s helped me get into the point a lot more and be in a better position on the fourth ball.

“But I still think I can be better out of the corners and moving, but also after my serve [on] ball three, just getting into the split a bit better and sometimes I feel a bit caught out still.”