The Foro Italico is heating up, and one of the most intriguing second-round matchups at the 2025 Italian Open is set: Emma Raducanu vs Veronika Kudermetova. A clash between flair and force, youth and experience, unpredictability and power. This matchup is more than just a battle for the third round—it’s a litmus test for where both players stand ahead of Roland Garros.
In this in-depth preview, we break down the form of both players, analyze their journeys in the tournament so far, explore tactical matchups, and offer a prediction that just might surprise you.
Emma Raducanu: The Comeback Trail Gathers Momentum
Few players in the tennis world spark as much curiosity as Emma Raducanu. Since her unforgettable US Open triumph in 2021, Raducanu has battled injuries, coaching changes, and media scrutiny. But 2025 has slowly started to look like a rebuilding year with genuine promise.
Raducanu entered the Italian Open with a protected ranking, having spent much of 2024 on the sidelines due to surgeries on both wrists and her ankle. Her comeback has been cautious but focused. She played sparingly in early spring, appearing in select WTA events and Challenger tournaments to rebuild rhythm.
In Rome, Raducanu opened her campaign with a gritty three-set win over a tricky qualifier. While her groundstrokes occasionally lacked depth, she displayed improved fitness, clever shot selection, and greater poise under pressure. The serve, a question mark in previous months, held up well—particularly in key moments.
Off the court, Raducanu seems more grounded than ever. Speaking to reporters after her first-round win, she said:
“I’ve stopped chasing expectations. I’m just here to improve every match and enjoy competing again.”
That mindset shift might be her biggest weapon yet.
Veronika Kudermetova: Dangerous Floater or Slumping Seed?
If tennis were a roller coaster, Veronika Kudermetova would be one of its most thrilling rides. A former Top 10 player, the Russian has endured a bumpy 18 months—marked by occasional brilliance and recurring inconsistency.
Currently hovering outside the Top 20, Kudermetova arrived in Rome without high expectations. Her 2025 season has been a patchwork of early-round exits and scattered wins. However, when her serve is firing and her confidence clicks, Kudermetova is a top-tier threat—capable of overpowering even elite opponents.
In her opening match in Rome, Kudermetova dismissed an in-form clay-court specialist in straight sets. Her serve clocked in at over 115 mph, and her backhand down the line—a signature shot—was on fire. There were moments where she looked like a player ready to reignite her career.
Still, questions remain: Can she sustain that level for back-to-back matches? Will she fall into a pattern of errors under Raducanu’s counterpunching style?
Italian Open Conditions: A Level Playing Field
The Italian Open’s slower clay courts have often favored defensive tacticians and clever shot-makers. While Kudermetova’s power can punch holes through most surfaces, Raducanu’s movement and timing make her a dangerous opponent on clay—even if it’s not her favorite surface.
Rome’s high bounce and warm conditions may slightly tilt things toward Kudermetova’s aggressive game, but Raducanu’s improving defensive court coverage and willingness to mix up spins could neutralize some of that power.
Both players are still adjusting to the transition from hard to clay courts, making the conditions a fascinating backdrop for this stylistic contrast.
Head-to-Head: First Meeting Adds Intrigue
This will be the first-ever professional meeting between Emma Raducanu and Veronika Kudermetova. The lack of a head-to-head record adds a layer of unpredictability to the match.
Raducanu’s team will likely target Kudermetova’s movement and look to engage her in longer rallies, while Kudermetova will try to rush Raducanu by stepping into the court early and attacking second serves.
The X-factor? Mental strength. Kudermetova has been prone to patches of frustration, especially when unable to dictate play. Raducanu, on the other hand, has shown growing composure and resilience, even when down on the scoreboard.
Tactical Breakdown: Where Will This Match Be Won?
Let’s break down the key tactical battlegrounds in Emma Raducanu vs Veronika Kudermetova:
1. Serve Return Battle
Raducanu’s return game is quietly one of her strongest assets, especially against hard hitters. If she can chip away at Kudermetova’s first serve and attack the second serve, she’ll apply scoreboard pressure quickly. On the flip side, Kudermetova’s serve remains her biggest weapon—if she lands 65% or more of her first serves, she gains control.
2. Mid-Rally Exchanges
Kudermetova excels in one-two punches, but extended rallies can drain her rhythm. Raducanu should look to elongate points, vary spin and depth, and use drop shots to drag Kudermetova out of her comfort zone.
3. Movement and Footwork
Kudermetova’s lateral movement is solid but not elite. On clay, Raducanu’s agility gives her an edge—especially if she’s healthy. If she can redirect pace and cover the baseline with consistency, she’ll frustrate the Russian into errors.
4. Confidence and Nerves
Raducanu has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Kudermetova is the higher-ranked player and the favorite on paper, which could put her under more pressure. Watch the body language closely in the first few games—it may dictate how the match unfolds.
Social Media Buzz: Fans Are Hyped
The tennis world is watching. On social media, both Raducanu and Kudermetova are trending among Italian Open hashtags. Raducanu’s international fan base has been energized by her comeback, while Kudermetova’s fans hope this is the week she turns her season around.
One fan wrote on X:
“Raducanu vs Kudermetova is the kind of popcorn match that makes WTA draws so fun. You never know what’s coming.”
Tennis influencers and analysts have also chimed in. Former pro and Eurosport commentator Alex Corretja tweeted:
“Tough one to call. Kudermetova has the power. Raducanu has the IQ. Flip a coin!”
Prediction: Who Takes the Edge in Rome?
This matchup has all the ingredients of a dramatic second-round showdown. Kudermetova brings more firepower and experience, but Raducanu brings momentum, strategic depth, and a clear desire to reestablish herself on the biggest stages.
If Kudermetova’s serve holds up and she strikes cleanly from the baseline, she could overpower Raducanu in two sets. But if Raducanu can frustrate her with movement, change of pace, and early breaks, it opens the door to a three-set battle—and that’s where Emma thrives.
Our Prediction: Emma Raducanu def. Veronika Kudermetova 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
She’s not fully back yet, but this could be the match that announces her return to the big time.
Final Thoughts: One Step Closer to Redemption
No matter the outcome, Emma Raducanu vs Veronika Kudermetova represents an exciting juncture in both their careers. For Raducanu, it’s about proving she belongs again. For Kudermetova, it’s about reclaiming momentum in a season teetering on mediocrity.
The Foro Italico crowd will be watching. The cameras will be rolling. And as two contrasting styles collide on the red clay of Rome, one thing is certain—this match will have fans eager for more.
Which side are you on—Raducanu’s comeback or Kudermetova’s power game? Share your prediction
