“Building My Relationship” – Emma Raducanu Opens Up on Her Toughest Challenge Ahead of the French Open

Emma Raducanu has shown remarkable resilience after two years of injury setbacks and early tournament exits. Her 2025 season began with a third-round loss at the Australian Open, followed by early defeats in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Dubai, and Indian Wells. She made her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami, but the clay courts lay ahead. The Briton has always had a “love-hate” relationship with clay. However, she seems to be making strides with some impressive moves in Rome. Now, at Strasbourg, Raducanu looks more confident on clay!

Emma’s 2025 clay court campaign started in Madrid, where she won her first match but lost in the next round to Marta Kostyuk. At the Italian Open, she went on a three-match winning streak. Raducanu fought hard to secure a 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) in the Round of 32. Heading into the Internationaux de Strasbourg, she showed clear improvement.

On Monday, Raducanu defeated No.6 seed Daria Kasatkina in her first match with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win. The 2021 US Open champion was proud in her post-match interview. She said, “I think I’ve been building towards this. I think I had 3 great matches in Rome and the 4th I played an opponent who was better than me on the day. To kind of bring that level here, I’m really proud. But I think as I spend more time on clay I’m starting to like it more and more. I’m building my relationship with the surface.” Was this one of the Britons’ best clay court performances?

Emma Raducanu after beating Kasatkina in Strasbourg

“Would you say it’s one of your best performances on clay?”

Emma: “I think I’ve been building towards this. I think I had 3 great matches in Rome and the 4th I played an opponent who was better than me on the day. To kind of… pic.twitter.com/9wlKU1IYEr

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 19, 2025

Well, Raducanu started the match with an early break but stumbled briefly in the next game. She quickly bounced back, winning seven straight games to storm ahead 6-1, 2-0. Though a few breaks followed, she stayed composed at 5-3 and sealed the win with a solid service game.

This victory marked her first-ever win against Kasatkina, who had beaten her three times before. After her loss to Coco Gauff in Rome, Emma said she needed to improve. She told Sky Sports, “I found it really difficult match. I think the conditions were very different to my last rounds.” Perhaps she’s found that rhythm?

Emma, like many British players, didn’t grow up on clay and is still adjusting. But making it to Rome’s last 16 by beating Maya Jansen, Jil Teichmann, and Veronika Kudermetova was a solid step forward. Even Gauff, who handed her a tough loss, acknowledged how much Raducanu has improved.

Coco Gauff admits to preparing for a “tougher” match against Raducanu in Rome

On May 12, Coco put on a stellar show in a clash of former US Open champions, cruising into Rome’s quarter-finals with a clean 6-1, 6-2 win over Emma Raducanu. Before the match, Coco admitted she expected a tough fight. In her post-match press conference, she said, “[I needed] a little bit of luck because it was super windy so some points were very awkward to play. I would say my serve and definitely my forehand [hurt Raducanu]. I think I was able to use that a lot to move her around the court and really put her on defense for most of the match. So I think those were the two keys.”

While Gauff dominated the match with four aces and strong serving, winning 76% of her first serve points to Raducanu’s 48%. Yet, the Briton showed fight, keeping her first serve percentage close (63%) and winning 44% of second serve points. Although Coco converted 4 of 9 break points and Emma none of her 3, Raducanu managed to take 20 receiving points and kept the rallies competitive.

Coco wasn’t shy about praising Emma’s game either. She said, “I knew it was going to be a tougher match. She’s been playing some great tennis, and you know, she had a good win over Veronika, which is not easy to do. So yeah, I’m really happy with how I played today and yeah, definitely my best match so far here.” Coco’s powerful serve and sharp forehand, combined with clutch break point conversions and strong returns, gave her the clear edge.

This loss might just push Raducanu to up her game. Her win against Kasatkina was a notable scalp, especially with the French Open looming. Will Emma Raducanu come to the grand slam on clay stronger and more confident? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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