The Internationaux de Strasbourg, a WTA 500 tournament kicking off May 18, 2025, has unveiled a star-studded draw that promises electrifying clashes on the clay courts of France. Headlined by World No. 4 Jessica Pegula, alongside top-10 talents Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa, as well as Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova, the event is a critical tune-up for Roland Garros. For British star Emma Raducanu, however, the path to glory begins with a daunting challenge, as she faces a brutal first-round matchup against World No. 15 Daria Kasatkina, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive week.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, accepted a wildcard to gain crucial clay-court experience ahead of the French Open. Currently ranked No. 49, the 22-year-old has shown flashes of her potential this season, reaching the fourth round in Rome. Yet, her opener against Kasatkina, a crafty clay-court specialist with a 3-0 head-to-head edge, is a stern test. “It’s a tough draw, but these are the matches you want to play to get better,” Raducanu said, embracing the challenge. A win could propel her into a second-round clash with either Sofia Kenin or Danielle Collins, both Grand Slam champions, making her section of the draw a veritable gauntlet.
Top seed Jessica Pegula, fresh off a stellar season with 28 WTA main-draw wins, anchors the top half of the draw. After a first-round bye, she’ll face either Anna Kalinskaya or a qualifier. Pegula, who has yet to advance past the first round in Strasbourg, is determined to make her mark. “I’m here to compete and get some matches on clay before Paris,” she said. Her quarter also includes Kasatkina and Raducanu, with a potential quarterfinal against Collins or Kenin looming. Collins, last year’s runner-up, brings her trademark intensity, while Kenin’s experience adds depth to an already stacked field.
In the second quarter, No. 3 seed Paula Badosa makes her Strasbourg debut after a lengthy injury hiatus. The Spaniard, who hasn’t played since March due to a persistent back issue, faces either French wildcard Alizé Cornet or a qualifier. Badosa’s return is a storyline to watch, as she aims to rediscover her top-10 form. “I’m just happy to be back on the court,” Badosa said, reflecting on her recovery. Her section includes No. 8 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who opens against Linda Nosková, setting up a possible quarterfinal showdown.
The bottom half of the draw is no less formidable, with No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina leading the charge. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, a 2020 Strasbourg finalist, starts with a bye before facing Wang Xinyu or a qualifier. Rybakina’s powerful game is well-suited to clay, and she’s eager to build momentum. “This tournament has special memories for me,” she said, recalling her deep run five years ago. Her quarter includes No. 7 seed Barbora Krejcikova, who returns from injury to face Magda Linette in her first match of 2025. Krejcikova, the 2021 Strasbourg and Roland Garros champion, is a sentimental favorite.
No. 2 seed Emma Navarro, a 2023 Strasbourg quarterfinalist, rounds out the top seeds. She’ll meet the winner of Magdalena Frech and Beatriz Haddad Maia, with Clara Tauson lurking as a potential quarterfinal foe. The withdrawal of two-time champion Elina Svitolina has opened the door for a lucky loser, adding an element of unpredictability. With six top-20 players and four Grand Slam winners, Strasbourg’s 39th edition is a fitting prelude to Roland Garros, where every match could reshape the clay-court narrative.
# Strasbourg’s Star-Studded Draw: Raducanu Faces Tough Test as Pegula, Badosa, Rybakina Shine
The Internationaux de Strasbourg, a WTA 500 clay-court showdown running from May 18 to 24, 2025, has unveiled a draw brimming with talent and intrigue. As the final major stop before Roland Garros, the tournament boasts a formidable field led by World No. 4 Jessica Pegula, top-10 stars Emma Navarro and Paula Badosa, and Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova. For British sensation Emma Raducanu, however, the journey begins with a formidable hurdle, as she’s been dealt a brutal first-round clash against World No. 15 Daria Kasatkina, setting the stage for a thrilling week in France.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, secured a wildcard to bolster her clay-court credentials ahead of the French Open. Ranked No. 49, the 22-year-old has shown signs of resurgence, reaching the fourth round at the Italian Open. Yet, her opener against Kasatkina, a wily clay-court tactician with a perfect 3-0 record against her, is a daunting prospect. “It’s a tough draw, but these are the matches you want to play to get better,” Raducanu said, her determination evident. Should she upset Kasatkina, a second-round meeting with either 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin or 2024 Strasbourg runner-up Danielle Collins awaits, making her section a minefield of Grand Slam pedigree.
At the top of the draw, No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula brings her relentless consistency, having racked up 28 WTA main-draw wins in 2025. After a first-round bye, she’ll face either Anna Kalinskaya or a qualifier. Pegula, who has yet to advance beyond the first round in Strasbourg, is focused on breaking that streak. “I’m here to compete and get some matches on clay before Paris,” she said. Her quarter is loaded, with Kasatkina, Raducanu, Collins, and Kenin all vying for supremacy. A potential quarterfinal against Collins, known for her fiery intensity, or Kenin, a seasoned competitor, promises fireworks.
The second quarter features No. 3 seed Paula Badosa, who returns after a lengthy injury layoff. Sidelined since March with a nagging back injury, the Spaniard makes her Strasbourg debut against either French wildcard Alizé Cornet or a qualifier. Badosa, once a top-10 mainstay, is eager to reclaim her form. “I’m just happy to be back on the court,” she said, her optimism palpable. Her section includes No. 8 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who faces Czech talent Linda Nosková in the first round, setting up a potential quarterfinal clash that could test Badosa’s resilience.
In the bottom half, No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, headlines with her potent baseline game. A 2020 Strasbourg finalist, she starts with a bye before meeting Wang Xinyu or a qualifier. “This tournament has special memories for me,” Rybakina said, reflecting on her deep run five years ago. Her quarter includes No. 7 seed Barbora Krejcikova, who makes her 2025 debut after a back injury. Krejcikova, the 2021 Strasbourg and Roland Garros champion, faces Magda Linette in a tricky opener, bringing a 3-0 head-to-head advantage.
No. 2 seed Emma Navarro, a 2023 Strasbourg quarterfinalist, anchors the final quarter. She’ll face the winner of Magdalena Frech and Beatriz Haddad Maia, with World No. 23 Clara Tauson a potential quarterfinal opponent. The withdrawal of two-time champion Elina Svitolina due to a back injury has paved the way for a lucky loser, adding intrigue. With six top-20 players and four Grand Slam winners, Strasbourg’s 39th edition is a clay-court crucible, where every match could redefine the road to Roland Garros.
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