Emma Raducanu is relishing the opportunity to face Coco Gauff in the next round of the Italian Open.
The pair will meet in Rome on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Sky SportsRaducanu was stunned to discover her next opponent at the Italian Open[/caption] Sky SportsThe Brit was told she will face Gauff live on court after her win on Sunday[/caption]It follows wins for both players on Sunday to set up their clay court clash.
Gauff secured a straight sets victory over Magda Linette in her third round tie to move into the last 16.
Meanwhile, Raducanu saw off Veronika Kudermetova 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 in her last 32 match.
The Brit was shocked to learn she would be facing the world no.3 next, though, having been informed live on air.
A shocked Raducanu responded in an interview with Sky Sports: “I haven’t looked at the draw to be honest but she’s a great competitor. Are you sure I’m playing Coco?”
The 2021 US Open champion added: “I think I’m playing pretty good tennis right now and she is going to be a great test.
“I mean she’s made the final of the French Open so she’s great on this surface. I’m just going to keep focussed but savour this one for now.”
Gauff won their only previous meeting in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
The American is also fresh from reaching the final of the Madrid Open last week.
View Tweet: t.co/1ej6R6kewt
Gauff is the fourth seed in Rome after reaching the final of the Madrid Open last weekGettyAs for Raducanu, she is already on her best ever run at the Italian Open having made the last 16.
Her only previous appearance in the tournament three years ago ended in a first round exit.
After coming from behind to beat Kudermetova, Raducanu said: “The best thing for me was recovering from the first set after serving for it.
“I’m so happy that I didn’t let the rest of the match get away from me – I think that’s big progress maybe compared to the matches I’ve played in the past.”
The 22-year-old is now just two wins away from reclaiming the mantle of British no.1.
Reaching the semi-finals would see Raducanu leapfrog world no.40 Katie Boulter in the WTA rankings.
It would be the first time she has been the top ranked female British player in two years.
Boulter ousted Raducanu from the position back in June 2023 and has held it ever since.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Are you sure?’ – Emma Raducanu shocked as she learns Coco Gauff is next opponent live on court )
Also on site :
- Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum helped off court with scary injury in closing minutes of Game 4
- Bomb alert on Ryanair plane carrying 170 passengers as holiday flight lands in Belgium & ‘cordon set up’
- Relatable Paris Fury gives look at life as mum-of-seven & it’s stark contrast to Meghan Markle post on ‘juggling it all’