Emma Raducanu has advanced to the second round of the 2025 French Open after a grueling match against China’s Wang Xinyu. However, the victory wasn’t without its challenges, as Raducanu revealed she was battling illness during the match, needing on-court medical attention. This health update has sparked concern among fans and experts, especially with a tough second-round match against defending champion Iga Swiatek looming.
Raducanu’s Grueling Victory Over Wang Xinyu
The match against Wang Xinyu was a hard-fought battle, lasting two hours and 44 minutes. Raducanu secured the win with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Despite the victory, it was evident that Raducanu was not at her best. She required a medical timeout towards the end of the first set, where her blood pressure was checked. She also took a short break before the deciding set, during which her body temperature was measured, and she was seen applying ice under her eyes.
Raducanu admitted in a post-match interview with TNT Sports, “I don’t feel great. I would’ve felt worse if I lost that match, but I was struggling today. I was really struggling from the start.” She praised Wang Xinyu as a top opponent who “can take the racquet out of your hands.” Despite feeling “really flat,” Raducanu expressed happiness in finding a way to win.
Health Concerns and On-Court Struggles
Raducanu’s health issues weren’t limited to the match against Wang. She had been managing a back spasm sustained the previous week in Strasbourg, using dry needling and heat therapy to aid her recovery. She mentioned feeling “OK” but “not 100% yet” before the French Open.
During the match, the carbohydrate intake she received initially seemed to provide a boost, but her physical problems persisted, leading to the medical timeout. The 22-year-old’s resilience was tested, but she pushed through, demonstrating the mental toughness she emphasized as a key factor in her victory. “It was extremely important, especially when you’re not feeling very energetic,” Raducanu said. “I just knew I had to start well. That gave me the best chance to keep fighting for every point. Luckily, I got into a good rhythm.”
Raducanu’s Honest Update and Feelings
Following her victory, Raducanu shared an honest update on her health, revealing the extent of her struggles during the match. She expressed pride in her ability to overcome the challenges, stating, “I’m actually really proud of today’s match, more so than I think a lot of the matches that I played recently or in general, because I woke up and I felt really sick. To have come through that and overcome how I was feeling, I’m really happy with it.”
Raducanu’s determination was evident as she fought through the illness, showcasing qualities of character, heart, and fight. She acknowledged that opening rounds are never easy, especially after a three-year absence from Roland Garros.
Facing Iga Swiatek in the Second Round
Raducanu’s reward for her first-round victory is a daunting second-round match against world number one and defending champion, Iga Swiatek. Swiatek has an unblemished 4-0 record against Raducanu, and has not dropped a set in any of those matches. Their most recent encounter was at the Australian Open earlier this year, where Swiatek dominated with a 6-1, 6-0 victory.
Despite the challenge, Raducanu remains optimistic and views the match as an opportunity to showcase her skills without the pressure of high expectations. “I don’t feel great,” Raducanu admitted. “I would’ve felt worse if I lost that match, but I was struggling today. I was really struggling from the start.” She acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Swiatek, recognizing her as a formidable opponent.
Expert Opinions
Tennis experts have weighed in on Raducanu’s chances against Swiatek. Alex Corretja, a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros, admires Raducanu’s determination and playing style, but suggests that her expectations should be moderate due to limited match play and victories.
Raducanu’s Journey and Resilience
Emma Raducanu’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After her historic US Open win in 2021, she faced numerous challenges, including injuries and changes in coaching staff. In 2023, she underwent surgery on both wrists and her left ankle, causing her ranking to drop outside the world’s top 300.
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu has shown remarkable resilience. She hired fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura to improve her athleticism and aimed to play more matches in 2025 than in previous seasons. Her victory over Wang Xinyu, despite feeling unwell, exemplifies her determination to overcome obstacles.
French Open 2025: Key Details
The French Open 2025 is underway, with the women’s singles final scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and the men’s singles final on Sunday, June 8. The tournament features top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and others vying for the title.
Emma Raducanu’s participation in the French Open marks her return to Roland Garros after missing the past two tournaments due to injury. Her first-round win against Wang Xinyu was her first at the French Open since 2022.
How to Watch Raducanu vs. Swiatek
The second-round match between Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, or Thursday, May 29.
- In France: Fans can watch the Grand Slam live on France TV and Amazon Prime.
- In the UK: Coverage is available on TNT.
- In the rest of Europe: Eurosport holds the rights.
- In the USA: TNT Sports, HBO Max, and truTV share coverage.
- In Canada: TSN and RDS will broadcast the match.
Conclusion: A Test of Strength
Emma Raducanu’s French Open journey has already been a test of her strength and resilience. Her victory over Wang Xinyu, despite battling illness, demonstrates her mental fortitude and determination. As she prepares to face Iga Swiatek in the second round, the tennis world will be watching to see if she can overcome the odds and continue her remarkable rise in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, Raducanu’s performance at the French Open 2025 is a testament to her unwavering spirit and commitment to the game.
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