Emma Raducanu is heading into the clay season with a rare opportunity to make a significant leap in the WTA rankings — despite previously admitting she doesn’t feel entirely comfortable on the surface.
After an impressive run to the quarter-finals at the Miami Open, Raducanu opted to take a brief break from the tour. The decision raised eyebrows given the momentum she’d built — momentum not seen since her 2021 US Open triumph. However, she’s back in action and ready to compete in the WTA 1000 event in Madrid, her first clay match of the 2025 season.
In 2024, Raducanu played just six matches on clay, securing wins in the Billie Jean King Cup and in Stuttgart. Her campaign in Madrid last year ended early with a first-round loss to Maria Lourdes Carle, and she skipped the rest of the clay circuit in favor of preparing for the grass season.
This year, the stakes are much higher — and so is the potential reward.
Minimal Points to Defend, Massive Upside
With only 10 ranking points to defend over the next few weeks, Raducanu has everything to gain. A strong showing across the Madrid Open, Rome Open, and French Open — where 4,000 points are available — could catapult her up the rankings.
Winning just a few matches at each event could see Raducanu crack the top 40, potentially overtaking Katie Boulter to reclaim the British No. 1 spot. A quarter-final appearance in either Madrid or Rome could even push her into the top 32 and earn her a seeded position at Roland Garros.
More realistically, Raducanu may set her sights on being seeded at Wimbledon — a goal well within reach if she can capitalize on the ranking points offered during the clay season.
Backing from Laura Robson
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson believes Raducanu has the tools to succeed on clay, despite her reservations.
“I’m sure Emma would like to do well on clay and grass this year and play a full schedule,” Robson told Sky Sports. “Clay is great for developing all areas of the game. It helps players learn how to adapt, especially in slower conditions.”
She also pointed out the variance between clay tournaments, noting that Madrid’s high altitude produces faster conditions than the heavier clay in Rome — a factor that might work in Raducanu’s favor.
Favorable Draw in Madrid
Raducanu opens her Madrid campaign against world No. 69 Suzan Lamens — a winnable matchup given the Dutch player’s struggles this season. Should she advance, she’ll face world No. 24 Marta Kostyuk in the second round, with a potential third-round clash against No. 9 seed Paula Badosa.
If Raducanu reaches round three, it would mark her best-ever showing in Madrid and a strong step toward a resurgent clay-court campaign.
