Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is rewriting her narrative on clay, a surface that has long been her Achilles’ heel. At the Italian Open in Rome, the 22-year-old Briton showcased a newfound confidence, dispatching Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round of a WTA 1000 clay-court event for only the second time in her career. Her performance, marked by fluid movement and aggressive shot-making, drew high praise from 2013 Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli, who pinpointed a “crucial” improvement in Raducanu’s game. “I think she’s moving better, which is crucial on clay,” Bartoli observed, noting the noticeable change in how Raducanu navigates the red dirt. This evolution signals a turning point for the world number 49, who is seizing the clay season to climb the rankings and eye a Wimbledon seeding.
Raducanu’s journey on clay has been fraught with challenges. With only five main-draw appearances in the Madrid-Rome swing, her inexperience on the surface is stark compared to her grass and hard-court exploits, where she’s notched top-10 wins over players like Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari. Her sole French Open appearance in 2022 ended in the second round, and a back injury forced her to retire in her only prior Italian Open match against Bianca Andreescu. Last year, she skipped Roland Garros to focus on grass, a decision that paid dividends with a fourth-round Wimbledon run but left her clay-court resume thin. “It’s a good challenge for my game,” Raducanu said of clay in Rome, embracing the opportunity to “bridge the gap” between her current level and her lofty ambitions. Her recent performances suggest she’s doing just that.
In Rome, Raducanu’s straight-sets demolition of Teichmann was a statement of intent. The Foro Italico’s slow clay demands patience and agility, qualities Raducanu has historically struggled to harness. Yet, under the guidance of part-time coach Mark Petchey, she’s honed her sliding technique and court coverage. “I found moving really difficult. I felt like I was slipping around,” she admitted after a second-round loss to Marta Kostyuk in Madrid earlier this month, where she still managed a win over Suzan Lamens. Since then, she’s worked tirelessly in the gym, and Bartoli’s assessment underscores the results: Raducanu’s improved footwork allows her to stay balanced during extended rallies, a must on clay’s unforgiving surface.
Petchey’s influence extends beyond technical tweaks. Known for his emphasis on repetition and tactical drills, he’s encouraged Raducanu to play more aggressively, taking the ball early to dictate points. “He’s not a super technical coach, there are certain tweaks, as always, but that is something I am going away from,” Raducanu explained, highlighting a shift from overthinking mechanics to embracing instinct. This mindset was evident in Rome, where she overpowered Teichmann with 22 winners, a stark contrast to her tentative clay performances of the past. Her 55.6% win rate on clay (10-8) now rivals her hard-court record (55.1%), though it trails her 61.1% on grass, where she thrives.
The timing of Raducanu’s resurgence is critical. With just 108 ranking points to defend this clay season, she’s poised to leap into the top 32, potentially securing a Wimbledon seeding in July. A favorable Rome draw—starting with a qualifier, 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint, and a possible second-round clash with Ekaterina Alexandrova, whom she’s split matches with this year—offers a golden opportunity. “I’m going to use the season to take pressure off, try and be more aggressive,” Raducanu vowed, a strategy that could see her overtake Katie Boulter as British number one. Former British number one Laura Robson urged her to commit to clay, noting, “Clay is great for developing all areas of the game,” while Tim Henman praised her physical progress post-Miami, where she reached the quarterfinals.
Raducanu’s clay-court odyssey is about more than rankings—it’s about proving she can adapt and conquer. Her power-packed groundstrokes, once a liability on clay, are now complemented by smarter movement, making her a growing threat. As she eyes a deep run in Rome and a stronger showing at Roland Garros, Bartoli’s words ring true: Raducanu is close to her 2021 US Open form, and her clay-court transformation could be the key to unlocking her next chapter.
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