Emma Raducanu's Italian Open journey came to an end on Monday as she suffered a comprehensive defeat to world No. 3 Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
The British No. 2 was outclassed by her American opponent, falling to a 6-1, 6-2 loss in Rome.
Despite the disappointing scoreline, Raducanu can take pride in her tournament performance, having achieved a personal milestone by winning three consecutive clay-court matches for the first time in her career.
Gauff proved too strong for Raducanu throughout the contest, dominating proceedings with her aggressive play from the baseline.
Emma Raducanu was knocked out of the Italian Open by Coco Gauff
Reuters
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman offered his analysis of the match on Sky Sports Tennis and told Raducanu to put herself in seeding contention for the French Open later this month.
He said: "A number in the back of my mind is 32 - can she be seeded pre-Wimbledon and get that protection in the early rounds on grass?
"It wasn't the result or performance Raducanu was looking for today.
"The biggest area of difference is Gauff's explosive speed in and out of the corners. Raducanu was hitting some great ground strokes, but Gauff was able to slide over and stay in the rally.
"Coco Gauff found a way to come through those big, long points on clay.
"When you reflect on Raducanu's clay-court season so far, it's been very positive. She's up to 42 in the live rankings."
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This upward trajectory comes at an opportune moment with the French Open approaching.
Henman believes the conditions at Roland Garros could benefit Raducanu's game.
"The clay courts at Roland Garros are the trust, the best, they will suit Emma even more."
This would represent remarkable progress for Raducanu, who continues to rebuild her career.
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Coco Gauff took just 79 minutes to beat Emma Raducanu on Monday
Reuters
Henman concluded that despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs for the future.
"It was a great performance from Gauff, and a lot to build on for Raducanu."
Gauff, meanwhile, was full of praise for Raducanu after a demolition job in Rome.
"It was definitely an A [performance] in difficult conditions. Emma is a tough opponent no matter what surface, she's tough to play, so I am really happy with my game," said the American.
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Emma Raducanu has been challenged to make the top-32 ahead of the French Open
Reuters
"My game is getting better every match. Madrid was a step in the right direction. I lost in the final, I don't like losing, especially in the final, so I am hoping to redeem myself here.
"My forehand was a big weapon today, it set me up for a lot of short balls and good points."
Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, needed just 79 minutes to dispatch the British number two in what was a ruthless display of clay court tennis.
