Italian Open: Coco Gauff books quarterfinal spot with dominant win against Emma Raducanu

In a clash of two former US Open champions, it was one-way traffic from start to finish as Gauff broke twice in each set and did not drop her own serve.

Gauff saved three break points, which came in separate games: at 2-0 in the first set; at 5-1 in the first set; and at 3-2 in the second set.

The American star now holds a 2-0 record against Raducanu, having won the duo's first encounter in straight sets at the 2023 Australian Open.

The 21-year-old was already ensured of returning to her career-high ranking of world No 2 when the WTA Rankings update after her rivals Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula both exited Rome at the third round stage.

The 2023 US Open winner is chasing her maiden title at the Foro Italico, having reached the semi-finals in 2021 and 2024.

Raducanu, meanwhile, is up seven places in the live rankings - from 49th to 42nd - with the 120 points she gained for her three wins in Rome.

By SABC Sport | https://www.sabcsport.com/main-domain/news/italian-open-coco-gauff-books-quarterfinal-spot-with-dominant-win-against-emma-raducanu