ATP
Win double for Brits in Rome
Emma Raducanu had never notched up a win at the Italian Open until this week.
Now she is into the third round in the Foro Italico where she will play World No. 50 Veronika Kudermetova,
The British number two only knew she was facing Jil Teichmann in the second round a few hours before the match.
Raducanu had prepared to face 21st seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but she withdrew citing a shoulder injury to be replaced by lucky loser Teichmann and eased to 6-2 6-2 win.
Earning her first win on outdoor clay for three years at the Madrid Open, Raducanu has now won back-to-back matches in Rome, reaching the last 32 in the Italian capital for the first time.
“I still don’t feel really comfortable (on clay)” the winner said afterwards.
“I guess in a way it helps I have to be super focused on every single point, get my feet right and try not to fall over.
“I think I’m slowly finding my feet.”
She will be joined in the last 32 by fellow Brit Jack Draper who continues to impress on the clay with a solid straight sets win, 6-1, 6-4 over local Luciano Darderi.
New world No. 5 Draper, who came to the tournament having reached last week’s Madrid Open final, took the opening set in only 24 minutes.
The British No.1 broke Darderi’s serve three times hitting 12 winners in the first set.
“There was always a chance I might be a bit mentally flat but I felt great,” Draper said afterwards.
“I want to keep performing and being consistent. Greatness is in consistency and it’s my job to go again no matter how tough it is.”
His third round opponent will be Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva who beat Argentine Sebastian Baez of Argentina.
Main photo:- Jack Draper winning in the Foro Italico by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com