Emma Raducanu Eyes Redemption Against ‘Best in the World’ Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros

Emma Raducanu will take on defending champion Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open, a matchup she views as a valuable test. After a demanding three-set win over Wang Xinyu in the opening round, Raducanu is ready for the challenge of facing one of the top players in the game.

The British player fought through illness and fatigue to claim a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory. Despite physical struggles during the match, she stayed focused and determined to get the job done. Her reward is a clash with Swiatek, who eased past Rebecca Sramkova with a solid 6-3, 6-3 performance.

It’s a match for me where I can test and challenge myself. Exposure to the top players is great for where I’m at, for my development. Especially on clay, it’s her preferred tournament, probably, surface. She’s won it like 4 times. So it’s a match where I can go out and test myself and go for my shots. I know if I just push the ball, I’m probably going to get eaten. I need to, like, hit the ball. I’m looking forward to that challenge. I feel like Iga has always played really well when we’ve played. Especially in Australia this year. I’m looking forward to playing her again. I think in the last months I’ve made good strides with my game and my mentality as well, big time. It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world. I’m looking forward to playing on a big court probably as well.

Emma Raducanu said in her Roland Garros press conference

Raducanu admitted that Swiatek has been dominant in their past meetings, but she remains positive. She sees this match as a learning experience and a chance to push herself. The 22-year-old knows she will need to play aggressively and take her chances if she wants to compete on equal footing.

Emma Raducanu on facing Iga Swiatek next at Roland Garros, ‘It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world’

“It’s a match for me where I can test and challenge myself. Exposure to the top players is great for where I’m at, for my development. Especially on clay, it’s… pic.twitter.com/PjgOQG7Gl8

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 26, 2025

Swiatek, a four-time champion at Roland Garros, comes into the match with a strong winning record on clay. But Raducanu is determined to step up and embrace the moment. The match is expected to be intense, with both players bringing contrasting strengths to the court in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Emma Raducanu checked by doctors during Roland Garros opening round win

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu battled through a tough opening-round match at the French Open, overcoming a medical scare to defeat Wang Xinyu in three sets. The win secured her place in the second round, where she will face four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek in a highly anticipated showdown.

The 22-year-old called for a medical timeout while leading 6-5 in the first set. She was seen applying ice to her face and having her blood pressure checked by the doctor. Concerns rose about whether she would be able to continue the match due to her past struggles with injuries and health issues.

After receiving brief treatment, Raducanu returned to the court and showed no signs of hesitation. She confidently held serve to take the first set. Wang responded strongly in the second set, leveling the match and putting pressure back on the British player.

In the deciding set, Raducanu held her nerve in front of a packed crowd on Court Eight. She regained control and closed out the match 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in two hours and 44 minutes, matching the longest clay-court match of her career. It was a determined performance that showed her resilience under pressure.

Iga Swiatek ready for Emma Raducanu challenge

Iga Swiatek is not taking Emma Raducanu lightly ahead of their second-round clash at Roland Garros. Despite her impressive record and status as a favorite, the Polish star made it clear she won’t be overconfident. With both players being Grand Slam champions, the match promises high stakes early in the tournament.

Well, you know, everybody has a different path and different changes. But for sure she’s a great player and has a great forehand. She can use her topspin pretty well. So, we already played a couple of times, and we know each other’s game. For sure I will need to be intense and focus on myself. She won the US Open. She can play great tennis, and I’ll be ready.

Iga Swiatek in her post-match press conference

Swiatek began her title defense with a strong performance, defeating Rebecca Sramkova 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round. She looked sharp and composed on the clay, winning 70% of her first-serve points and showing her trademark consistency. The victory marked a solid start to her campaign for a fifth French Open title.

On the other side, Raducanu earned her spot in the second round after a tough battle against Xinyu Wang. The Brit showed resilience and grit to come through, setting up a much-anticipated showdown with Swiatek. It’s a matchup that grabbed attention as soon as the draw was released.

Swiatek currently holds a 22-match winning streak at Roland Garros, making her one of the top contenders along with Aryna Sabalenka. But with Raducanu standing across the net, the road ahead may be challenging. The tennis world now watches closely as two major champions meet on the clay.