Thu May 08 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Raducanu Returns to Rome for “Fresh Start,” Boulter Seeks Clay Court Improvement
**Rome, Italy** – Emma Raducanu is back on the clay courts of Rome for the Italian Open, marking her return to the tournament after a three-year absence. The former US Open champion, who last played in Rome in 2022 before retiring injured, expressed optimism about her prospects, describing her participation as a “fresh start” under new coaching guidance. Raducanu will face Australian Maya Joint in the first round on Wednesday, with a potential second-round clash against Ekaterina Alexandrova. She is focusing on a less technically driven approach, prioritizing aggressive play and consistent drills under the tutelage of trainer Mark Petchey. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from approximately 4pm.
Meanwhile, British No. 1 Katie Boulter is also competing in Rome, seeking further improvement on clay ahead of the grass court season. Having secured her first WTA clay court win in Madrid, Boulter acknowledges the challenges of the Italian Open, noting the heavy courts and conditions. She aims to build on her progress and believes her improved physicality and strategic understanding of clay court play will benefit her transition to grass. Boulter’s first-round opponent is Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. She remains positive about her chances and sees success on clay as a stepping stone to a strong grass court season.
First Piper 