Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation and 2021 US Open champion, is approaching the 2025 clay court season with a refreshed mindset, determined to shed the weight of expectations and play with uninhibited freedom. As she prepares for the Italian Open in Rome, following a mixed performance at the Madrid Open, Raducanu shared her intentions to use the clay season as a stepping stone for growth rather than a chase for rankings or titles. “I want to use this season to take the pressure off and play the way I want to so it can help me on the other surfaces,” she told reporters, her words reflecting a newfound focus on authenticity and development.
Raducanu’s journey on clay has been a work in progress. Known for her prowess on hard courts, where she clinched her Grand Slam title, and a promising 61.1% win rate on grass, she has historically found the slower, slippery red dirt challenging. With only 18 professional matches on clay and a 55.6% win rate, her experience is limited compared to her 43 hard-court victories. Yet, recent performances suggest progress. In Madrid, she secured a hard-fought first-round win over Suzan Lamens, rallying from a break down in each set to triumph 7-6, 6-4. However, a second-round loss to Marta Kostyuk, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, exposed her struggles with sliding and movement on clay. “I haven’t played many matches on this surface, so it does feel a little foreign to me,” Raducanu admitted, acknowledging the learning curve. Her collaboration with coach Mark Petchey, a former mentor to Andy Murray, is proving pivotal. Petchey’s guidance has helped her refine her serve and incorporate more variety, like slice backhands and drop shots, as seen in Miami and Madrid.
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Raducanu, who returned to the world’s top 50 after reaching the Miami Open quarterfinals, her best WTA 1000 result since her US Open triumph. Defeating top-20 players like Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova in Florida showcased her potential, but early exits in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Dubai highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued her since her breakout. Her clay campaign, which includes Rome and an anticipated debut at Roland Garros, offers a golden opportunity to climb the rankings, with just 118 points to defend—108 from a 2024 Stuttgart quarterfinal and 10 from Madrid. “It’s a good challenge for my game,” she said, emphasizing her desire to “bridge the gap between where I am now and where I want to be.” Her approach is less about immediate results and more about building a foundation for the grass and hard-court swings, where she feels most at home.
Raducanu’s mindset shift is notable. After a 2024 season marred by injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries, and criticism for her limited schedule, she’s embraced a busier calendar this year, competing in seven events already. Her decision to skip the Billie Jean King Cup and Rouen Open raised eyebrows, but it allowed a 10-day training block filled with yoga, hiking, and art galleries, leaving her rejuvenated. “It is exciting, it does feel like a bit of a fresh start with the way I am approaching everything,” she said, crediting Petchey and her team for fostering optimism. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson has urged her to lean into clay, believing the surface’s tactical demands suit her versatile game. Raducanu’s Rome debut against a qualifier, with a potential second-round clash against Ekaterina Alexandrova, will test her progress.
As she navigates the clay season, Raducanu’s journey is about more than wins—it’s about rediscovering her joy in tennis. Her formidable tiebreak record (14-2 in her last 16) and improved physicality signal a player on the cusp of a breakthrough. With Roland Garros looming, where she aims to make her senior debut, Raducanu is poised to surprise, unburdened by expectations and driven by a desire to play on her terms.
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