Emma Raducanu has secured a hard-fought victory in her opening match at the 2025 French Open, overcoming China’s Wang Xinyu in a tense three-set battle. The British player, still managing back spasms from earlier in the week, showed remarkable mental resilience to claim a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win, setting up a tough second-round encounter against four-time champion Iga Swiatek.
Raducanu entered the tournament with some uncertainty about her physical condition, having struggled with back issues following her recent loss at the Strasbourg Open. Despite these setbacks, she demonstrated a gritty determination on court, especially after a medical timeout when she appeared visibly unwell. Her ability to rally from 1-5 down in the second set highlighted her growing maturity and fighting spirit.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is aware of the challenge that awaits her. Swiatek, who is attempting to make history with a fourth consecutive Roland Garros title in the open era, is widely regarded as one of the toughest competitors on clay. Raducanu embraced the opportunity, describing the upcoming match as a valuable test for her development. She stressed the importance of playing aggressively, knowing that merely pushing the ball would not suffice against a player of Swiatek’s caliber.
The positive start for British tennis at Roland Garros this year contrasts sharply with the previous year’s disappointment, when no British players managed to win a match. Alongside Raducanu, Jacob Fearnley and Katie Boulter both recorded impressive first-round victories.
Fearnley, who only turned professional last year after a collegiate career, made a confident French Open debut by defeating former champion Stan Wawrinka in straight sets. Despite Wawrinka’s veteran status and his historical success on the Parisian clay, Fearnley remained composed against a partisan crowd, securing a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2 victory. His recent results suggest a promising future, especially considering he had barely played on clay in recent years before this season.
Boulter, the British No.1, also celebrated a significant milestone by claiming her first main draw win at the French Open. She recovered from dropping the first set in a tiebreak to dominate the next two sets 6-1, 6-1 against qualifier Carole Monnet. Boulter’s confidence on clay has been steadily growing, highlighted by her recent title win at a WTA 125 event in Paris, underscoring her adaptability on a surface that is not traditionally her strongest.
The only British player to exit in the first round was Jodie Burrage, who was beaten in straight sets by Danielle Collins, ending her campaign early.
Raducanu’s recent changes both on and off the court appear to be paying dividends. She has been working towards a more balanced lifestyle, focusing on enjoyment and managing the pressures of professional tennis. On court, she has developed a more varied style, complementing her natural attacking instincts with improved tactical play. Her forehand has become a particularly effective weapon, helping her dictate play and compensate for occasional struggles with her backhand.
The British players’ performances at Roland Garros this year reflect their promising clay court form leading into the tournament. Fearnley, for instance, has surprised many with his success on clay despite limited recent experience. His wins over top-ranked opponents, including a career-first top-20 victory at the Madrid Open, showcase his rapid progress and potential.
For Boulter, the tournament represents another step forward in her ongoing development on clay, a surface where she continues to grow more comfortable with each match.
As the tournament progresses, British tennis fans can look forward to more exciting performances, with Raducanu’s upcoming match against Swiatek promising to be a highlight of the early rounds.
