\n<\/p>\n
Clay is a surface which does not come naturally to Raducanu.<\/p>\n
Like most British players, the 22-year-old Briton had less exposure to the red dirt in her formative years and lacks experience on these courts as a professional.<\/p>\n
Raducanu’s meeting against Gauff was only the 21st clay-court match of her career – compared to 81 on hard courts and 20 on the grass.<\/p>\n
Therefore, it is no surprise she is still – by her own accord – finding her feet on the surface.<\/p>\n
Beating Australian teenager Maya Joint, Swiss lucky loser Jil Teichmann and Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova to reach the Rome last 16 represented solid progress.<\/p>\n
Facing Gauff was a different proposition – and proved to be a reminder of the gap which exists between Raducanu and the world’s best.<\/p>\n
While Raducanu’s movement has improved on the clay, Gauff’s high-bouncing returns and weight of shot proved difficult to cope with.<\/p>\n
Raducanu did regularly manage to get herself into the points, but the American’s outstanding athleticism meant it was difficult for the Briton to dictate them.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Raducanu will head to the French Open – which starts on 25 May – in a positive frame of mind.<\/p>\n
Since bringing Mark Petchey into her coaching team on an informal basis, Raducanu has cut a more relaxed, happier figure at tournaments and it has allowed her game to flourish.<\/p>\n
She has won eight of her 11 matches with Petchey, working alongside Raducanu’s long-time ally Jane O’Donoghue, in her corner.<\/p>\n
How long the partnership will last remains uncertain. <\/p>\n
Tennis commentator Petchey and O’Donoghue – who is taking a sabbatical from her job in finance – do not appear to be long-term solutions, even if Raducanu will be keen to maintain what is proving to be an encouraging dynamic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n