Naomi Osaka is gearing up for a challenging match against former French Open finalist Sara Errani in the opening round of the Rome tournament. Osaka, who recently regained her winning form by claiming her first title in four years at the Saint-Malo Challenger, is looking to build on this momentum. Despite Errani’s experience and proficiency on clay, with a current ranking of No. 177, Osaka is expected to be the strong favorite.
Meanwhile, British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has been dealt a favorable hand as she prepares to face a qualifier in her initial match in Rome. After experiencing difficulties in Madrid, where she faced an early exit, Raducanu is eager to demonstrate her abilities on the clay court. However, a potential matchup against Maria Sakkari, who is currently competing in the qualifying rounds, could pose a significant challenge for her.
While Osaka appears confident following her recent success, Raducanu has opened up about her struggles on clay, citing issues with movement and stability during her matches. Despite these setbacks, the 2021 US Open champion is resolved to improve her performance on this surface and aims to make a notable impact at the Rome tournament.
As the tournament unfolds, the focus will be on both Osaka and Raducanu as they navigate their initial matches and seek to mark their presence on the clay courts. Fans can look forward to following their journeys and celebrating their efforts in this exciting competition.