“I just have to take a lot of positives”: Rome setback fuels Emma Raducanu's Roland Garros ambition
WTA
Emma Raducanu was eliminated in the 4th round of the Rome Open after an undeniable loss to Coco Gauff 1-6, 2-6, but she decided to focus on the positive side of a good run in Italy. The British No. 2 reached the Round of 16 of a WTA 1000 for the third time in her career (the last two in her last three appearances).
The former US Open champion continues to gradually take steps to recover her best form. This week, she consecutively defeated Maya Joint, Jil Teichmann, and Veronika Kudermetova. Despite the loss to Gauff, Raducanu has a positive 8-3 record on clay courts this year.
"I would love to just keep improving, keep playing. I think that's a positive for me," Raducanu told Sky Sports after her loss against Gauff. "I don't want to go and hide in a hole somewhere, I want to get back out there, so that's good.”
Meanwhile, the former world No. 10 is fine-tuning details for her participation in the French Open and still has doubts about whether she will make one last appearance before the second Grand Slam of the year. "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 a day off or so and then getting back to it."
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"It makes it more enjoyable, it makes it more sustainable. It doesn't make the losses feel as bad, because I just know that every day I'm trying to be the best version of myself, I'm trying to win the day and I've kind of gone back to that," she added. "I didn't win on the match court today but I'm going to find a way to win the day still today.”
The entry list for the Strasbourg Open was announced a few days ago, without Raducanu on the list. However, the wildcards have not yet been announced, and it is likely that if Raducanu decides to attend the tournament, she will be accepted as a former Grand Slam champion.
"It was a tough day in the office. I just have to take a lot of positives. I am getting out more, I am enjoying myself and taking it in wherever I go, because it is tough on the road. So, I think just trying to find small pockets of the day, small glimmers, to make it more enjoyable."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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