- Raducanu lost in straight sets to Iga Swiatek at the French Open 2025.
- She withdrew from the Berlin Open due to a recurring back injury.
- Her coach urges fans to view her career as still beginning, not tied to 2021.
Emma Raducanu’s French Open journey came to a quick end as she was outclassed by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets. The match underscored the significant gap between Raducanu and top-tier players, a point she openly acknowledged post-match.
Shortly after, Raducanu confirmed her withdrawal from the upcoming Berlin Open, citing a lingering back issue that has flared up multiple times this clay season.
Raducanu’s Reality Check: Injury Woes, Coaching Patience, and Post-Paris Reset
Emma Raducanu was the last British woman standing at the French Open before falling to Iga Swiatek in a high-stakes second-round clash. Despite a gritty opening-round win against Wang Xinyu, her challenge crumbled against the reigning Roland Garros champion. Swiatek’s power and consistency proved too much for Raducanu, who managed only three games.
The 22-year-old has since pulled out of the Berlin Open, where she was offered a wildcard entry. Her back injury, described as a “vulnerability,” has persisted since her Strasbourg appearance and clearly affected her recent performances. Raducanu emphasized the importance of careful recovery and is now eyeing Eastbourne and Wimbledon instead.
Coach Mark Petchey has called for a recalibration of public expectations. He highlighted how the game has evolved since Raducanu’s sensational US Open win, including heavier balls and increased physicality. Petchey believes fans and pundits alike are judging her unfairly against past success, urging patience as she continues to develop.
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Raducanu’s team is focused on getting her body right and managing the pressure. While her recent results haven’t matched the hype, her determination to rebuild step by step is clear. Whether this next chapter brings redemption remains to be seen, but she insists her journey is just beginning.
Emma Raducanu may be facing setbacks, but with time, patience, and a clear focus on her physical health, she remains determined to reshape her career on her own terms.
“Everyone is judging you on what happened in 2021, but the reality is, I want to see you building a career here where people judge you in two years.” – Mark Petchey
