Raducanu’s Grass-Court Comeback: Will She Ace Nottingham?

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is set to electrify the grass courts once again as she joins the lineup for the Rothesay Open in Nottingham from June 14th to 22nd, 2025. This marks a significant return to form for the young Brit, who has faced challenges with injuries and consistency since her stunning Grand Slam victory. Her participation in this tournament signals a strong intent to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon.

Nottingham: A Key Stop Before Wimbledon

The Rothesay Open Nottingham is a combined WTA 250 and ATP Challenger event held at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, known as the largest public tennis center in Great Britain. With its 40 courts, it provides an ideal setting for players to fine-tune their grass-court game. For Raducanu, this tournament offers a crucial opportunity to gain match experience and confidence on her preferred surface before heading to the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.

The Tournament Details

The 2025 Rothesay Open Nottingham is scheduled to take place from Saturday, June 14th, to Sunday, June 22nd, at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Raducanu will be in good company, with other notable players including:

• Katie Boulter: The reigning champion, aiming for her third consecutive title.
• Ons Jabeur: A world-class player known for her exciting style.
• Heather Watson: A seasoned British player with a strong grass-court pedigree.
• Dan Evans: A prominent British male player adding to the home interest.
• Cam Norrie: Another top British player, ensuring a strong contingent of local talent.

Raducanu’s Grass-Court Affinity

Raducanu has always expressed a fondness for grass courts, feeling that they suit her game particularly well. In the past, she has achieved notable success on this surface, including a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon. Her aggressive style and ability to take the ball early make her a dangerous opponent on grass.

Building Blocks for Wimbledon

According to tennis analyst Jim Courier, the clay season is about building blocks for Raducanu ahead of the grass swing. “No one’s expecting her to play well on clay, it’s not a natural surface for her,” Courier added. “Grass is a surface where she first surfaced, she made the round 16 before she won the US Open at Wimbledon so for me, it’s about the building blocks for the grass-court season.”

A Promising 2025 Season

Raducanu’s 2025 season has already seen some promising signs. She started the year in Auckland, New Zealand, at the ASB Classic, followed by the Australian Open in Melbourne. She has also participated in the Abu Dhabi WTA 500 and the Qatar WTA 1000 events.

Overcoming Injury Challenges

After spending eight months sidelined due to multiple surgeries, Raducanu had a relatively lighter schedule in 2024. However, she managed to win 20 of the 33 matches she contested, finishing the season ranked 58 in the world.

Regaining Confidence

Raducanu has spoken about the importance of consistency and building momentum. After a foot injury sidelined her for two months, she is keen to capitalize on the momentum she picked up with Team GB at the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga.

Raducanu’s Schedule Leading Up to Nottingham

Prior to the Rothesay Open, Raducanu’s schedule includes key tournaments such as the French Open and the Italian Open. She is also set to participate in the Berlin Open, accepting a wild card for the tournament in Germany as part of her Wimbledon preparations.

French Open and Italian Open

Raducanu’s participation in the French Open and Italian Open is geared towards gaining valuable match experience and improving her comfort level on clay. Despite clay not being her preferred surface, she recognizes the importance of playing as many points as possible and spending time training on the court.

Berlin Open

Adding the Berlin Open to her schedule further emphasizes Raducanu’s commitment to honing her grass-court skills ahead of Wimbledon. This tournament will provide another opportunity to compete against top players and fine-tune her game on the surface.

The Queen’s Club Debut

In addition to Nottingham and Berlin, Raducanu has also signed up to play at Queen’s this summer in the first women’s event at the venue since 1973. This historic event will feature a star-studded lineup, including Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, and Katie Boulter, marking a significant moment for women’s tennis.

A Historic Occasion

The HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club will make its inaugural appearance on the Hologic WTA Tour, kicking off the grass-court swing as 2025’s first WTA 500 event on the surface. This event will provide Raducanu with another chance to compete against top players on grass and build momentum leading up to Wimbledon.

Keys to Success for Raducanu

To make a deep run at Wimbledon and other grass-court events, Raducanu needs to focus on several key areas:

• Fitness and Injury Prevention: Staying healthy and maintaining peak physical condition will be crucial for Raducanu to compete consistently throughout the grass-court season.
• Serve Improvement: Working on her serve, as noted by tennis analysts, can add more power and disguise to her game, making her more formidable on the court.
• Aggressive Mindset: Embracing her natural aggressive style and taking the initiative in matches will be key to dictating play and putting pressure on her opponents.
• Match Experience: Gaining valuable match experience at tournaments like Nottingham and Queen’s will help her build confidence and fine-tune her game.

Nottingham’s Tennis Legacy

The Nottingham Tennis Centre has a rich history of hosting prestigious tennis events. It has been the venue for both ATP and WTA tournaments, attracting top players from around the world. The pristine grass courts and excellent facilities make it a favorite among players and fans alike.

A Warm-Up for Wimbledon

The Nottingham Open serves as an important warm-up event for Wimbledon, providing players with the opportunity to adjust to the unique conditions of grass-court tennis. The tournament’s timing in June allows players to fine-tune their game and gain valuable match experience before the prestigious Grand Slam.

The Road Ahead

As Emma Raducanu embarks on her grass-court campaign, all eyes will be on her to see if she can recapture the form that made her a US Open champion. Her participation in the Rothesay Open Nottingham is a significant step in that direction, offering her a platform to build momentum, gain confidence, and showcase her talent on her preferred surface. With a strong field of competitors and the support of the home crowd, Raducanu has the opportunity to make a statement and set the stage for a successful Wimbledon campaign.

Nottingham: A Hub for Tennis Excellence

Nottingham’s commitment to tennis is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and its history of hosting prestigious events. The Nottingham Tennis Centre stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to the sport, providing a world-class venue for players and fans alike.

The Future of Tennis in Nottingham

With ongoing investments in tennis infrastructure and a growing interest in the sport, Nottingham is poised to remain a hub for tennis excellence for years to come. The Rothesay Open Nottingham plays a key role in promoting tennis in the region, inspiring the next generation of players and attracting visitors from around the world.