As the red clay of Rome’s Foro Italico prepares to host the world’s tennis elite, Emma Raducanu is stepping into the 2025 Italian Open with a renewed sense of purpose. The 22-year-old Brit, whose 2021 US Open triumph captivated the world, is embracing what she calls a “fresh start” at this pivotal clay court event. After a challenging second-round exit at the Madrid Open, Raducanu’s return to Rome—her first since an injury-forced retirement in 2022—signals a shift in mindset and strategy. With a new coaching approach and an optimistic outlook, she’s ready to make her mark at one of the sport’s most picturesque venues.
Raducanu’s journey back to the Italian Open is a story of resilience. Her debut in 2022 ended abruptly when a back injury forced her to retire during a first-round clash with Bianca Andreescu. “I never really knew how bad it was until I kind of went out there,” she reflected at the time, admitting she was still learning when to push her body. Now, three years later, the upgraded facilities at Foro Italico feel unfamiliar yet invigorating. “It does feel new [in Rome], I didn’t even know where half of the things were here,” she said with a laugh. “It is exciting, it does feel like a bit of a fresh start with the way I am approaching everything, with the people I have around, with my mindset and outlook.” This sense of novelty is fueling her drive as she faces a first-round qualifier, with world No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova looming as a potential second-round opponent.
The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Raducanu, but recent performances hint at a resurgence. Her run to the Miami Open quarterfinals in March, where she defeated top-20 players before falling to Jessica Pegula, marked her best WTA 1000 result since her Grand Slam win. In Madrid, she showed flashes of brilliance with a straight-sets victory over Suzan Lamens before a competitive three-set loss to Marta Kostyuk. “I feel more optimistic, I feel pretty positive about things going forward,” Raducanu said, emphasizing her day-by-day approach. “I’m just trying to stay consistent.” Her current world ranking of No. 49, a climb back into the top 50, reflects steady progress after a 2024 season plagued by injuries, including a back issue that forced her to withdraw from the ASB Classic.
A key factor in Raducanu’s renewed confidence is her collaboration with trainer Mark Petchey, who has steered her away from overly technical coaching. “He’s not a super technical coach, there are certain tweaks, as always, but that is something I am going away from,” she explained. In the past, Raducanu’s training was heavily focused on technique, a necessity to refine her game. Now, the emphasis is on repetition, aggression, and taking the ball early. “It’s more about doing the right things, taking the ball on more, and just repetition of certain drills and patterns, which he is very good at setting up,” she added. This shift suits the clay, where patience and consistency are paramount, and Raducanu sees it as a chance to bridge the gap between her current form and her lofty ambitions. “It’s a good challenge for my game. I want to work on doing things differently,” she said.
Rome also holds symbolic weight for Raducanu. The Italian Open, the final WTA 1000 event before the French Open, is a proving ground for clay court contenders. With top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff in the draw, alongside British compatriots Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal, the competition is fierce. Raducanu draws inspiration from the recent success of Jack Draper, Britain’s top male player, whose Madrid Open final run has energized the British contingent. “British tennis is in a good place,” she noted, highlighting the camaraderie pushing her to elevate her game.
Off the court, Raducanu’s introspective nature adds depth to her journey. She’s been candid about the mental toll of injuries and the pressure of expectations since her US Open fairy tale. Her decision to skip smaller tournaments and focus on training blocks reflects a strategic approach to longevity. “I’m still learning when it’s right to push my body and when it’s not,” she admitted, a lesson hard-learned from past setbacks. Fans have rallied behind her, with social media buzzing about her “less is more” philosophy for 2025. One supporter wrote, “Emma’s mindset is so refreshing—she’s building something special.”
As Raducanu steps onto the clay in Rome on May 7, 2025, she carries more than just her racquet. She carries the weight of experience, the spark of optimism, and the promise of a career still unfolding. The Italian Open offers a canvas for her to paint a new chapter, one where consistency meets ambition. Whether she’s sliding into a forehand or smiling through a press conference, Raducanu’s presence is a reminder of her enduring potential. For now, Rome is her stage, and the tennis world is watching to see how this fresh start unfolds.
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