Emma Raducanu makes ‘hide in a hole’ comment and hints at big schedule change ahead of French Open
Emma Raducanu has painted an upbeat verdict on her run to the fourth round of the Italian Open, even though she admitted she was ‘outplayed’ by Coco Gauff in a 6-1, 6-2 defeat.
After three encouraging wins in Rome, Raducanu was no match for former French Open finalist Gauff, who highlighted her superiority on clay courts with a power-packed display.
Raducanu showed flashes of brilliance as she occasionally rocked Gauff onto the back foot, but he admitted she was well beaten by an opponent who is currently sitting at No 2 in the live WTA Rankings.
“I found it a really difficult match,” said Raducanu. “I think the conditions were very different to my last round, it was a different court and it was very bouncy, there wasn’t much clay on the court. And it was quite windy too.
“Coco also played a really good match and I definitely saw why she’s No 2 in the world right now. She played really well. I do think I got outplayed today but I guess I have no shame in saying that and looking forward to working to try to get better.”
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Raducanu was full of praise for Gauff, as she admitted the American put her under huge pressure as her forehand was in dominant form.
“You feel like there’s no space on the court. You don’t really know where to hit, especially when she’s playing like that,” continued Raducanu.
“I think both sides held up really well. I think her serve held up really well. So, yeah, it was a good testament to her. She’s two [No 2 in the live rankings] in the world for a reason, and I definitely felt that. And so that’s it.
“I take good confidence [from this]. I think for the first three rounds, I played really good tennis, and I came through some really tough opponents as well, last-minute changes, recovering after a set down and two three-set wins, which was big for me. So I’m happy about that.”
Raducanu went on to suggest she may be tempted to play another tournament ahead of the French Open at the end of May, with a WTA 500 event in Strasbourg next week possibly in her sights.
“I would love to just keep improving, keep playing. I think that’s a positive for me,” added Raducanu.
“I don’t want to go and hide in a hole somewhere, I want to get back out there, so that’s good.
“We’ll see how it goes in the next week before the French, if I get into Strasbourg. But, for now, I’ve played a good 12 days on the trot, so I’m looking forward to a day off or so and then getting back to it.”
Former British No 1 Tim Henman has been a big supporter of Raducanu since he iconic 2021 US Open win and he is encouraged by what he has seen from his compatriot despite the heavy defeat against Gauff.
“When you reflect on the score, it looks very straightforward, but I think there were a couple of really long games, but on each of those occasions it was Gauff who found a way to come through,” Henman told Sky Sports.
“It wasn’t the result or performance Raducanu was looking for. She didn’t have the opportunity to dictate because Gauff was hitting so aggressively from the back of the court.
“But when you reflect on Raducanu’s clay-court season so far, it’s been very positive. The clay courts at Roland Garros are the trust, the best, they will suit Emma even more.
“Her game is moving in the right direction, she’s up to 42 in the live rankings. A number in the back of my mind is 32 – can she be seeded pre-Wimbledon and get that protection in the early rounds on grass?”
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