ROME — British tennis stars Emma Raducanu and Cameron Norrie made strong starts to their Italian Open campaigns with convincing first-round victories, while compatriot Katie Boulter suffered a tough defeat on the clay courts of Rome.
Raducanu Shines in Straight-Sets Win
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, delivered a composed performance to defeat Romania’s Ana Bogdan 6-4, 6-3 in her opening match. The 21-year-old, who has been working her way back to form after multiple injury setbacks, showcased her trademark resilience and tactical adaptability.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 221, relied on her powerful baseline game and sharp returns to control the match. "I’m really happy with how I managed the match today," she said post-match. "Clay isn’t my natural surface, but I’ve been working hard to improve, and it’s nice to see progress."
Key moments in Raducanu’s victory included:
- Breaking Bogdan’s serve early in both sets
- Winning 75% of first-serve points
- Converting four of six break-point opportunities
Norrie Battles Past Tough Opponent
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie secured a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2 win over France’s Terence Atmane. The left-hander, known for his relentless consistency, had to dig deep after losing a tense second-set tiebreak.
Norrie, seeded 27th, regained control in the decider, using his superior fitness and tactical awareness to wear down Atmane. "It wasn’t easy, but I stayed patient and trusted my game," Norrie said. "Clay is about grinding, and I’m happy to get through."
Key Stats for Norrie
Norrie’s victory was built on:
- Winning 82% of net approaches
- Saving six of eight break points faced
- Dominating with his forehand, hitting 28 winners
Boulter Falls to Former Champion
Katie Boulter, Britain’s top-ranked woman, was unable to replicate her compatriots’ success, falling 6-3, 6-4 to 2019 French Open finalist Markéta Vondroušová. The Czech player’s crafty drop shots and heavy topspin proved too much for Boulter on the slow clay.
Boulter, who recently broke into the top 30, struggled to find rhythm, committing 32 unforced errors. "It’s disappointing, but I’ll learn from this," she admitted. "Clay is a challenge, but I’m determined to keep improving."
Looking Ahead
Raducanu will face world No. 1 Iga Świątek in a blockbuster second-round clash, while Norrie takes on Spain’s Jaume Munar. Both matches will test their clay-court credentials against seasoned opponents.
For Boulter, the focus shifts to the grass-court season, where she aims to build on her strong performances from last year. "I love playing on grass, and I’m excited for what’s coming," she said.
The Italian Open continues to be a crucial warm-up event ahead of Roland Garros, with British fans hopeful that Raducanu and Norrie can make deep runs. Their opening victories have set a positive tone, while Boulter’s defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by clay.
"Every match is a step forward," Raducanu emphasized. "I’m just focusing on playing my best tennis and enjoying the process."