As the European grass court season dawns, Britain’s tennis elite have descended upon the lush green courts to prepare for a pivotal summer, with Wimbledon looming large on the horizon. Leading the charge are Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal, two former junior rivals whose journeys have captivated fans. Joined by a talented cohort including Francesca Jones, Heather Watson, Billy Harris, Ryan Peniston, and Kyle Edmund, these players were spotted honing their skills in recent practice sessions, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 grass court campaign. The Lawn Tennis Association’s behind-the-scenes glimpse into their preparations has sparked anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling season on home soil.
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is back on grass after a challenging clay season that ended with a second-round defeat to Iga Świątek at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old, once ranked world No. 10, has been working diligently to rediscover the form that propelled her to Grand Slam glory as a teenage qualifier. Her recent practice sessions showcased her trademark speed and precision, qualities that shone even in her junior days. Reflecting on her return to grass, Raducanu noted the need to adapt to the surface’s unique demands: “I hadn’t played many practice sets leading up to this either,” she said after a previous grass court outing, highlighting her ability to rely on instinct and shot-making. “But I know once I have a good feeling in my shots, I don’t forget how to play a match.” Her focus is clear—leveraging the fast-paced grass to reignite her competitive spark, especially after reaching the Nottingham semi-finals and Eastbourne quarter-finals in 2024.
Sonay Kartal, the 23-year-old Brighton native, is emerging as a serious contender, threatening to overtake Raducanu as Britain’s No. 2. Kartal’s 2024 was a breakout year, marked by a maiden WTA title in Monastir and a third-round appearance at Wimbledon, where she toppled world No. 31 Sorana Cirstea. Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles; a serious health scare in early 2024 saw her “in and out of hospital,” an ordeal she prefers not to detail. Yet, her resilience shone through, as she explained after a standout performance at Indian Wells: “Being sidelined and watching events go on without you is tough. Last year, I was super grateful to even be on the court, let alone to have the biggest wins in my career.” Kartal’s attritional style, with heavy topspin and relentless defense, is well-suited to grass, where her ability to make opponents work for every point could prove lethal. Her recent training sessions, filled with powerful groundstrokes and gym-honed fitness, signal her readiness to build on last year’s successes.
The rivalry between Raducanu and Kartal, which dates back to their junior days, adds an intriguing layer to their grass court campaigns. A viral video from 2011 captured the pair, then nine years old, engaged in a 19-shot rally at the National Tennis Centre, with Kartal clinching the point with a brilliant passing shot. “I remembered the match when we were nine and the point that was replayed so many times so well,” Kartal recalled, reflecting on their shared history. While Raducanu’s meteoric rise in 2021 inspired Kartal and her peers, the latter’s steady climb—bolstered by five W35 titles and a career-high ranking of No. 63—has positioned her as a genuine threat. “I grew up playing Emma, so it proves to me that the dream of making it in tennis is not too far away,” Kartal said, emphasizing the motivation drawn from her compatriot’s success.
Other British stars are also making waves. Francesca Jones, known for her tenacity, and veteran Heather Watson, a former British No. 1, bring experience to the mix. Billy Harris, Ryan Peniston, and Kyle Edmund, all spotted in practice, are poised to make their mark on the men’s side, with Edmund’s return from injury adding a feel-good narrative. The LTA’s grass court events, including the Lexus Birmingham Open and Rothesay Open Nottingham, offer crucial opportunities for these players to shine before Wimbledon. Kartal, set to debut at Eastbourne, expressed her excitement: “A hundred percent Wimbledon, without a doubt,” she said when asked about her favorite major, underscoring the emotional weight of performing at home.
As the grass season unfolds, British fans are eager to see if Raducanu can recapture her 2021 magic or if Kartal will continue her ascent, potentially surpassing her childhood rival. With tickets still available for events like the HSBC Championships and Lexus Nottingham Open, the stage is set for a summer of gripping tennis, where these players’ hard work on the practice courts could translate into unforgettable moments on the match court.
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