Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation, stands at a crossroads in her career as she embarks on the 2025 clay court season with renewed ambition. Known for her explosive 2021 US Open triumph, Raducanu has faced challenges in replicating that success, particularly on the slower, red dirt of clay courts. However, recent performances and sage advice from former British No. 1 Laura Robson have sparked optimism about her potential to transform her game and thrive on this demanding surface. As Raducanu prepares for a packed clay schedule, including the Madrid Open, Rome Open, and French Open, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation over whether she can silence skeptics and cement her place among the elite.
Clay has historically been a puzzle for Raducanu. Growing up in Britain, where grass and hard courts dominate, she had limited exposure to the surface, playing her first professional clay match only in 2022. Her discomfort was evident in early struggles, including a second-round exit at the 2022 French Open and a retirement due to injury at the Italian Open. “I’ve not spent so much time on clay over the past few years,” Raducanu admitted last year, acknowledging the steep learning curve. Yet, she also expressed intrigue, noting, “I do love moving on clay, sliding, I find it very fun.” Her 55.6% win rate on clay (10-8) lags behind her 61.1% on grass but edges out her 55.1% on hard courts, hinting at untapped potential.
Robson, a former top-30 player and respected analyst, sees Raducanu’s power-packed groundstrokes as tailor-made for clay’s slower pace, which rewards tactical point construction. “I’m sure Emma would like to do well on clay and grass this year and play a full schedule,” Robson said at a recent Sky Sports Tennis event. She emphasized clay’s value in honing versatility, stating, “Clay is great for developing all areas of the game. Tactically, it’s a great surface to learn how to turn around matches when you are behind in slower conditions.” Robson urged Raducanu to embrace the surface’s challenges, noting that varying conditions—such as Madrid’s high-altitude speed versus Rome’s heavier clay—could play to her strengths if she adapts.
Raducanu’s 2024 clay campaign offered glimpses of progress. At the Billie Jean King Cup, she delivered standout wins over top-50 players Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry, showcasing resilience by rallying from a set down in both matches. In Stuttgart, she reached the quarterfinals, defeating Angelique Kerber and Linda Noskova before falling to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. “I think in the future, it’s going to be a surface that will actually really suit me,” Raducanu reflected, despite admitting she’s “maybe a little bit away from that right now.” Her ability to slide naturally and engage in longer rallies aligns with clay’s demands, though she has yet to secure a top-10 win on the surface, with her best victories coming against players like Garcia (No. 23) and Noskova (No. 31).
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, however, raised concerns about Raducanu’s scheduling. After her impressive Miami Open quarterfinal run in 2025, she withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup and Rouen Open to focus on training, a move Roddick questioned. “You got to the quarters, let’s build. Let’s keep it rolling,” he said on his Served podcast, suggesting her grass-court prowess might tempt her to prioritize that season. Nevertheless, Raducanu’s entry into Madrid and Rome, coupled with her direct entry into the French Open, signals a commitment to clay. With only 108 ranking points to defend, a strong showing could propel her back into the top 50 from her current No. 47 ranking.
As Raducanu trains on the LTA’s indoor clay courts, her focus is on physical robustness and tactical growth. Past injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, have tested her, but her recent form suggests a resurgence. “I’m starting to feel a lot better on the surface,” she said, embracing the challenge. With Robson’s encouragement and a strategic approach, Raducanu’s clay court journey could mark a turning point, proving she’s more than a one-slam wonder.