In a gripping second-round clash at the Madrid Open, Emma Raducanu faced a formidable challenge against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, ultimately falling 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in a match that highlighted both her resilience and her ongoing struggles on clay. The defeat marked the end of Raducanu’s campaign in the Spanish capital and left her grappling with concerns about her physical condition, as she admitted to feeling unusually fatigued during the match. “It is pretty noticeable,” Raducanu remarked post-match, reflecting on the exhaustion that hindered her performance in the decisive third set.
The 22-year-old Brit, who burst onto the global stage with her 2021 US Open triumph, has faced a turbulent journey since that historic victory. Her return to the WTA Tour in Madrid followed a month-long hiatus, during which she prioritized a training block in Los Angeles to bolster her fitness for the clay-court season. Her first-round win over Dutch player Suzan Lamens had sparked optimism, showcasing her ability to battle through a tie-break and overcome a powerful opponent. However, against the 24th-seeded Kostyuk, a seasoned clay-court player ranked 13 places above Raducanu at No. 36, the challenge proved too steep.
The match began competitively, with Raducanu holding her own in the first set. Despite dropping it 6-4, she displayed flashes of the tenacity that defined her US Open run, particularly in her ability to counter Kostyuk’s aggressive baseline play. The second set saw Raducanu find her rhythm, capitalizing on Kostyuk’s shaky serving—marked by nine double faults and a mere 51 percent first-serve rate. Raducanu’s forehand, which she unleashed with increasing confidence, helped her secure the set 2-6, leveling the match and raising hopes of an upset. Yet, the momentum shifted decisively in the third set. After losing her serve in the opening game, Raducanu struggled to regain her footing, fading as Kostyuk powered to a 6-2 victory.
Raducanu’s post-match reflections revealed a mix of frustration and determination. “I just felt really tired out there today,” she admitted, pinpointing fatigue as a critical factor in her third-set collapse. This admission raises concerns about her physical endurance, particularly on the demanding clay surface, where rallies are longer and movement is more taxing. The Madrid Open’s high-altitude conditions, which favor aggressive play, further exposed Raducanu’s discomfort on clay, a surface where she has yet to secure a signature win outdoors.
Adding to the narrative was the presence of Mark Petchey, Raducanu’s interim coach, in her player box. Their “informal” partnership, which began during her quarter-final run at the Miami Open earlier this year, has been a stabilizing force. Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray, brings a wealth of experience and a personal bond with Raducanu, who expressed hope that he would join her at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. “Hopefully,” she said when asked about their continued collaboration, signaling her trust in his guidance despite his commitments as a broadcaster.
The defeat in Madrid was part of a broader British disappointment at the tournament, with Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal also exiting in the second round. Boulter fell 6-1, 6-2 to sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, while Kartal was outclassed 6-3, 6-1 by 17th seed Elina Svitolina. The absence of British women in the later stages underscored the challenges they face on clay, a surface that demands patience and adaptability.
Despite the setback, Raducanu remained upbeat, emphasizing her commitment to improving her clay-court game. “I’m going to work harder on it,” she vowed, displaying the resilience that has kept her in the spotlight despite a rollercoaster career. Her run to the Miami Open quarter-finals, where she defeated top-20 players Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova, offers a reminder of her potential when at her best. However, her health remains a concern, as she experienced dizziness during that Miami loss to Jessica Pegula, requiring a medical timeout.
As Raducanu looks ahead to Rome and the French Open, her focus will be on building physical resilience and adapting to clay’s unique demands. Her journey, marked by highs like the US Open and lows like recent defeats, continues to captivate fans. With Petchey’s guidance and her own unrelenting drive, Raducanu’s quest to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite promises more chapters of drama and determination.