Emma Raducanu embraced a new strategy for clay court tennis before the Italian Open, aiming to assert control rather than change her game. This approach paid off in Rome, where she showcased impressive offensive play in a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Jil Teichmann. Following a challenging first round against Maya Joint, Raducanu benefited from favorable conditions that enhanced her performance. Despite a last-minute opponent change from Ekaterina Alexandrova, Raducanu took the opportunity to excel against Teichmann, reinforcing her newfound confidence and aggressive style.
Raducanu resolved to take the initiative and dominate her opponents from the front foot, moving past her initial struggles to deliver one of her cleanest performances.
In contrast to the frigid, heavy nighttime conditions of her first round, competing in the heat of the afternoon helped imbue her offensive shotmaking with even more pace.
Raducanu expressed that it was pretty mental when she had to adjust from preparing for Alexandrova to facing Teichmann just hours before the match.
Despite the unexpected opponent change, this was a great opportunity for Raducanu against a lower-ranked opponent, allowing her to establish dominance.
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