Emma Raducanu advances to Italian Open third round after dominant win over lucky loser

Emma Raducanu delivered a composed and powerful performance in Rome, defeating late substitute Jil Teichmann in straight sets. With improved serving and forehand dominance, Raducanu continues her resurgence on clay and looks ahead to a third-round test against Veronika Kudermetova.

Emma Raducanu advances to Italian Open third round after dominant win over lucky loser

Emma Raducanu made a confident return to clay-court action at the Italian Open on Thursday, dispatching Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 6-2, 6-2 in a routine second-round victory that lasted just 82 minutes.

Originally scheduled to face the in-form Ekaterina Alexandrova, Raducanu’s draw shifted at the last minute after the Russian withdrew due to a shoulder injury. In her place came Teichmann, a “lucky loser” from qualifying, who has not defeated a top-50 player in over two years.

Despite the unexpected change and Teichmann’s left-handed playing style, Raducanu adapted quickly. She dominated from the baseline, controlling the match with forehands and delivering timely serves when needed. Her lone break point faced in the match was erased with a pinpoint ace.

“It was pretty mental,” Raducanu said in her post-match interview with Sky Sports. “I was preparing for Alexandrova, then I found out I was playing Jil — a leftie — so that was a completely different challenge. I hadn’t practised with a left-hander since February, so the first few games were about adjusting. I’m really proud of how I came through that.”

Teichmann struggled to apply pressure throughout, offering up errors on key points. Raducanu remained composed and focused, aware of the dangers of complacency against an opponent with little to lose.

The 2021 US Open champion has quietly built momentum this season after a difficult start that included six losses in seven matches and off-court challenges, including dealing with a stalker during the Middle East swing. Since her run in Miami, however, she has won seven of her last nine matches.

Much of her recent success can be credited to increased physical conditioning. Sky Sports analyst Marion Bartoli highlighted Raducanu’s improved lower-body strength, noting her agility and stability when sliding on clay. Her work with fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura appears to be paying off.

Raducanu also revealed she has made technical adjustments to her serve since March, which have helped her maintain consistency and find power under pressure. She has been broken just four times in five sets in Rome so far.

Next, Raducanu will face world No. 50 Veronika Kudermetova in the third round. Kudermetova, a former semi-finalist in Rome, is well-versed in the clay conditions and will present a significant test.

Before focusing on her next match, Raducanu will need to hold on to her accreditation. “I was the first person to lose my accreditation,” she joked. “Then I lost the second one, and then I got exposed — my name went up on the board at the entrance. So yeah, that’s not ideal. But honestly, it sums me up.”