Emma Raducanu has admitted she still feels uncomfortable on clay courts — but former British No. 1 Laura Robson believes that could change with more experience and a shift in mindset.
While Raducanu chose not to enter last year’s French Open qualifiers in favor of preparing for the grass season — a decision that led to a string of strong results at home — Robson insists that clay has the potential to suit her game in the long term.
“I think in the future it’s going to be a surface that really suits me,” Raducanu said while competing in the Billie Jean King Cup last year. “I might just be a little bit away from that right now.”
Raducanu’s powerful groundstrokes seem tailor-made for clay, but she’s admitted to struggling with movement on the surface — something Robson says is understandable for a player who didn’t grow up training on red dirt.
Despite that, Robson is confident the 22-year-old can thrive on clay with more commitment to the surface.
“I’m sure Emma wants to do well on clay and grass this year,” Robson said during a Sky Sports Tennis event. “Clay is great for developing all aspects of your game. Tactically, it’s a surface where you really learn how to come back in tough conditions.”
Robson emphasized how drastically clay conditions can vary from one tournament to the next, and how that might actually work in Raducanu’s favor.
“Madrid is completely different to Rome, and it might turn out that one suits Emma better than the other,” she added.
Raducanu’s Schedule Sparks Debate
However, Raducanu’s scheduling has again raised eyebrows. She skipped Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie and pulled out of a WTA 250 event in Rouen following her quarter-final run at the Miami Open.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick expressed his frustration over Raducanu’s decision to pause her momentum.
“She just found her form… why recalibrate now?” Roddick asked on his Served podcast. “She looked like a top-10 player in Miami. I get so frustrated. I’m such a fan of hers, but this happens over and over. Why stop when you finally get going?”
Roddick questioned the logic of disrupting a breakthrough run, particularly with the clay and grass seasons offering chances to climb the rankings.
“I don’t think clay will be her best surface, but she’s great on grass. Let’s hope she sticks to a strategy this time,” he added.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Despite recent withdrawals, Raducanu remains on the entry lists for both the Madrid Open and Rome Open in early May. Her current ranking will grant her direct entry into the French Open at Roland Garros.
With influential voices like Robson calling for more clay-court exposure — and Roddick pushing for consistency — Raducanu finds herself at another pivotal crossroads in her career.
