Coco Gauff was testing Emma Raducanu’s resurging form on clay in what was advertised as a battle between two former US Open winners. Instead, it became a display of Coco Gauff’s developing superiority on the court.

For a place in the Rome quarterfinal, Raducanu will square off against Gauff, who overcame Magda Linette 7-5 6-3. When they meet, it will be their second meeting and the first one in more than three years - the American beat the Briton 6-3 7-6 (4) in the 2023 Australian Open second round.

Still, we may see Times Square-level electricity pop among the muscular marble statues when US Open champions Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu square off on Rome’s red clay for a quarterfinal spot. Today,