Comeback challenge: Emma Raducanu faces fierce Italian Open lineup

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Emma Raducanu has been drawn against Naomi Osaka at the Italian Open

The final clay-court WTA 1000 event of the season will get underway this week at the Italian Open.

Jasmine Paolini is the defending champion in Rome, with the home hope having beaten Coco Gauff in the championship match last year.

Every player will be looking for a deep run at the Italian Open ahead of Roland Garros, including Emma Raducanu, who will play her first match since the Indian Wells Open in early March.

The Briton has yet to feature during the clay season, citing an injury in her right hand. Upon return, Raducanu has been handed a brutal draw at the 2026 edition of the Italian Open.

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Emma Raducanu’s path through the 2026 Italian Open

Raducanu has landed in a tough quarter of the draw, with both Gauff and Paolini – last year’s finalists – on her side. She’s seeded 27th, so she gets a first-round bye and will face either a qualifier or Solana Sierra in her opening match.

If Raducanu wins that, she’ll likely face Gauff in the third round. The American has won both of their previous meetings at this level.

If she gets through that test, 18-year-old Iva Jovic could be waiting in the next round. Jovic has already started making waves on tour despite her age.

Mirra Andreeva, Elise Mertens and Maya Joint are also in this quarter, adding even more depth to what looks like one of the tougher sections of the draw.

Greg Rusedski sees encouraging signs from Emma Raducanu