Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is back in the spotlight as she dives into the clay-court season at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, and her latest practice session has fans buzzing. The 22-year-old British star shared an Instagram post showcasing her outfit drenched in red clay, a testament to a tumble during an intense training session at La Caja Mágica. Far from deterred, Raducanu’s clay-covered moment underscores her relentless work ethic and determination to reclaim her place among tennis’ elite after a challenging few years. As she prepares for her opening match, the World No. 47 is leaving no stone unturned in her quest to shine on the demanding Madrid courts.
Raducanu’s journey to Madrid follows a promising start to 2025. After a standout performance at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarterfinals and defeated top seeds Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova, she took a well-earned break to recharge. “I’ve been practicing really well,” Raducanu said, echoing her confidence from last year’s clay swing, where she surged 82 ranking spots after strong showings in the Billie Jean King Cup and Stuttgart Open. Her Miami run, which included pushing World No. 4 Jessica Pegula to three sets, marked her first four-match winning streak on the WTA Tour since her historic US Open triumph. Now, with the Madrid Open underway from April 21 to May 4, Raducanu is embracing the physical and mental demands of clay, a surface where she’s shown surprising aptitude.
The clay-covered Instagram post, capturing Raducanu laughing off her fall, highlights her growing comfort on the red dirt. “It’s a combination of things like low expectations,” she said last year in Stuttgart, noting her love for sliding on clay, a skill that sets her apart from many British players. Her natural ability to glide across the surface, combined with her powerful groundstrokes, makes her a dark horse in a field stacked with clay-court specialists like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu’s practice sessions in Madrid have been grueling, with reports of her training alongside Ons Jabeur and logging multiple hours on court to fine-tune her game. “I think you can build confidence two ways: by winning matches or by practicing really well,” she remarked, a philosophy driving her current approach.
Raducanu’s 2024 clay season offered glimpses of her potential, despite setbacks. She led Great Britain to a Billie Jean King Cup upset over France, defeating Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry, and reached the Stuttgart quarterfinals, where she fell to Świątek in a competitive two-setter. However, her Madrid campaign last year ended abruptly with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to qualifier María Lourdes Carlé, a match where fatigue was evident. “I was trying to push through,” Raducanu admitted, citing mental and emotional exhaustion. This year, she’s determined to avoid a repeat, bolstered by a healthier body after surgeries on her wrists and ankle in 2023. Martina Navratilova, commenting on her Miami performance, was optimistic: “If she stays healthy and plays this well, then she’ll be seeded at Roland Garros.”
As a wildcard entry in Madrid, Raducanu faces a qualifier or lucky loser in the first round, a more favorable draw after Karolina Pliskova’s withdrawal last year. Potential second-round opponent Veronika Kudermetova, the 17th seed, presents a challenge, but Raducanu’s recent form suggests she’s ready to compete. Her team, including part-time coach Mark Petchey and LTA’s Iain Bates, is focused on maintaining her physical resilience, a priority after past injuries. “I’m just happy the rewards are starting to come on the match court,” Raducanu said in Stuttgart, a sentiment that resonates as she aims for a deep run in Madrid.
Off the court, Raducanu’s Madrid visit carries extra significance. Spotted wearing a Rafa Nadal Shop t-shirt during practice, she paid tribute to the Spanish legend, who retired in 2024 after an emotional farewell at the Davis Cup. Her support for Nadal, a five-time Madrid champion, has endeared her to local fans, adding to the electric atmosphere she’ll face. Social media