Emma Raducanu is set to make her return to competitive tennis at this week’s Madrid Open, following a well-timed mid-season break that she believes has helped her refocus for the challenges ahead. The former US Open champion, now 22 years old, opted out of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers after reaching the quarter-finals in Miami, where she required medical assistance during her match against eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu’s campaign in Madrid will kick off against Dutch player Suzan Lamens on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. In her preparations, she has worked closely with former player Mark Petchey, who has taken on an informal coaching role. This collaboration has been a breath of fresh air for Raducanu, who has previously struggled with coaching changes and fitness issues.
"I've realized now that less is more for me sometimes," Raducanu shared in an interview with Sky Sports. "I work really intense and really hard and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes. It’s just making sure when I’m on the court I’m maxing out for X amount of time so I can focus, and then once I’m done, I’m switching off better." This new mindset comes after a challenging start to her 2025 season, where she has faced mixed results.
Last year, during Great Britain’s encounter against France in Rouen for the BJK Cup qualifiers, Raducanu admitted that clay is not her preferred surface. "It’s not necessarily the surface that I’m most comfortable on or my most preferred surface, but it’s something that I enjoy the challenge of," she remarked. With only six matches on clay under her belt last year, Raducanu is eager to improve her performance on this surface.
Despite her struggles, there remains optimism about Raducanu’s potential on clay this season. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson expressed confidence in Raducanu's ability to adapt. "I’m sure Emma would like to do well on clay and grass this year and play a full schedule. Clay is great for developing all areas of the game. Tactically, it’s a great surface to learn how to turn around matches when you are behind in slower conditions," Robson noted.
Raducanu's record this season shows a 7–7 win-loss tally, with four first-round exits in seven tournaments. This inconsistency has raised questions among fans regarding her readiness for the clay-court swing. However, with just 10 points to defend at the Madrid Open, Italian Open, and French Open, she has a unique opportunity to improve her ranking, currently sitting at No. 49.
If Raducanu can secure victories in these tournaments, she could inch closer to the Top 40 in the WTA Rankings and potentially reclaim her title as British No. 1 from Katie Boulter, who is currently ranked 40. The stakes are high, especially with 4,000 ranking points available across these three events.
Tim Henman, the former British tennis star, weighed in on Raducanu's situation, emphasizing the importance of building physical resilience. "For me, it’s building physical resilience that is the most important thing. That is what has been lacking because she’s almost had her career back to front, qualifying, winning that Grand Slam without really the physical foundation," Henman said. He believes that Raducanu’s recent break could be a strategic move to enhance her performance.
As she prepares for her match against Lamens, Raducanu remains focused on her goals for the season. "I think the big positive this year is that she’s been able to compete more consistently and hopefully the results are going to come," Henman added, highlighting the importance of consistency in her comeback journey.
Raducanu's decision to take a break after her quarterfinal run in Miami was met with mixed reactions. Some critics, including American tennis legend Andy Roddick, expressed frustration over her choice to step back at a time when she seemed to be gaining momentum. "I get so frustrated. I’m such a fan of hers. I like listening to her reasoning on things, but you get to the quarter-finals, you are finally getting momentum, and then you stop. Why put a speed bump in the middle of your season?" Roddick lamented.
In response to the criticism, Raducanu has remained resolute, explaining her need to prioritize fitness and mental clarity. "There are times where you need to reset and get your bearings, because the season is very long," she said. This philosophy underscores her commitment to a sustainable approach to her career.
As the Madrid Open approaches, all eyes will be on Raducanu as she looks to overcome her past struggles on clay and make a significant impact in the tournament. With a combination of experience, a fresh mindset, and the support of her team, she’s ready to take on the challenge. Can she shine on the dirt this season? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is certainly building among fans and analysts alike.
Emma Raducanu’s journey continues, and her upcoming match against Suzan Lamens will be a pivotal moment in her 2025 season. Will she rise to the occasion and showcase her talent on clay? The Madrid Open promises to be an exciting chapter in her evolving story.
