Emma Raducanu’s schedule ahead of the French Open is stirring up quite the conversation in the tennis world. The former US Open champion is currently navigating a tricky situation, finding herself entered in both the French Open qualifying rounds and the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, both scheduled for the week leading up to the Grand Slam.
The Qualifying Conundrum
Raducanu’s protected ranking of No. 103 wasn’t high enough to secure her a direct spot in the French Open main draw. This means she initially had to enter the qualifying rounds, marking the first time she’d face this challenge since her remarkable 2021 US Open victory. However, she is also on the list for the main draw as an alternate. As of early May 2024, she needed five players to withdraw to directly enter the main draw.
Qualifying for the French Open commenced on May 20 and concluded on May 24. Meanwhile, the Strasbourg tournament was set to begin on May 19. This schedule overlap presented Raducanu with a strategic dilemma: pursue the qualifying route for a chance to compete at Roland Garros or focus on the Strasbourg event.
However, in a recent update, Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Roland Garros to focus on the grass and hard-court seasons.
Italian Open 2025: A Warm-Up for Raducanu
Before the uncertainties surrounding the French Open, Raducanu participated in the Italian Open. Raducanu is set to face former French Open finalist Coco Gauff for a spot in the quarter-finals. Raducanu has mentioned that she is playing good tennis and Gauff will be a great test. Raducanu said that Mark Petchey will hopefully be joining her at the Italian Open.
Clay Court Challenges and Future Plans
Raducanu has openly admitted that she doesn’t feel entirely comfortable on clay courts. After her defeat to Marta Kostyuk at the Madrid Open, she acknowledged the need for improvement and more time training on the surface. Despite the challenges, Raducanu views the clay season as a valuable opportunity to accumulate points and build momentum for her preferred grass and hard-court seasons. She is scheduled to compete at the Italian Open and the French Open before shifting her focus to grass. Raducanu has expressed her fondness for grass courts, considering them and hard courts as surfaces that suit her game well. She has signed up to play at Queen’s this summer in the first women’s event at the venue since 1973.
French Open: Awaited Grand Slam
The French Open, a prestigious clay-court Grand Slam established in 1891, is held at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France. In 2024, the tournament took place from May 26 to June 9. The women’s final was held on Saturday, June 8, and the men’s final on Sunday, June 9.
Raducanu’s Journey to Roland Garros
With the 2025 French Open approaching, the question remains: How is Emma Raducanu preparing for the Grand Slam? The former US Open champion is set to play in the main draw at Roland Garros for only the second time in her career, having missed the tournament for the last two seasons. Her only appearance so far in Paris saw her reach the second round in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- Emma Raducanu’s participation in the French Open 2024 was initially uncertain due to a schedule conflict with the Strasbourg tournament and her need to potentially go through qualifying.
- Raducanu has withdrawn from Roland Garros to focus on the grass and hard-court seasons.
- She views the clay season as a learning experience and a chance to improve her game on the surface.
- Raducanu is more comfortable on grass and hard courts and is looking forward to the upcoming grass-court season.
- Raducanu will be playing Coco Gauff for a spot in the quarter-finals at the Italian Open.
A Season of Building Blocks
Ultimately, Emma Raducanu’s journey through the clay season, including her experiences at the Italian Open and her preparations for the French Open, serves as a crucial foundation for her long-term goals. With a focus on continuous improvement and a strategic approach to her schedule, Raducanu aims to build upon her strengths and achieve success on her preferred surfaces in the seasons to come.
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