Emma Raducanu races into Last 32 despite late opponent change
Such is the unpredictability of tennis, that anything can change at any time – including one's opponents.
Great Britain's Emma Raducanu had prepared to face world No 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, but there was a change in plan just hours before the two were due to meet.
Alexandrova had to withdraw from the Internazionali BNL D'Italia due to a right shoulder injury, and was replaced by 'lucky loser' Jil Teichmann of Switzerland.
The world No 94 had lost to Hailey Baptiste in the final round of qualifying.
Emma Raducanu didn't let the late change affect her.
She adapted well to a different opponent and was in control from the start, serving particularly well on the clay surface.
She served six aces against Teichmann's one, and was particularly impressive with her first serve win percentage at 73% against Teichmann's 52%.
Raducanu won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, completing the match in just over 1 hour and 22 minutes on the Supertennis Arena at the Foro Italico in Rome.
It was the first time that the world No 49 has reached the last 32 in Rome.
After the match, the former US Open champion said: 'I still don't feel really comfortable [on clay].'
But the win is certain to bring confidence and comfort to the British player who was able to adjust her game despite only discovering her new opponent hours before the match.
This is laudable, given that Teichmann's game is very different to that of Emma Raducanu's original opponent, Alexandrova.
Teichmann plays left-handed, with full topspin, whereas Alexandrova's game is more flat-hitting.
Despite her comment about her discomfort on clay, the win for Raducanu will give her much to be confident about in her upcoming matches.
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at the Foro Italico, Rome.
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