Emma Raducanu shares what she has now realised about herself that has caused her to make a big change
Emma Raducanu is off to a solid start at the 2025 Madrid Open, having advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 7-6(7-4), 6-4 win over Suzan Lamens. The British star, currently ranked No. 49 in the WTA rankings, is set to face 24th seed Marta Kostyuk in her next match.
Raducanu’s resurgence comes on the heels of a strong quarter-final run at the Miami Open last month, where she was eventually defeated by tournament runner-up Jessica Pegula. Now, she’s building momentum on clay, picking up her first win of the 2025 clay season in Madrid.
Despite no official coaching partnership, Raducanu continues to work alongside Mark Petchey, the former British No. 1 who’s been part of her recent team setup.
“I Don’t Have to Be Switched On 24/7” — Raducanu Opens Up
Following her opening-round win, Raducanu reflected on a key mindset shift that’s helping her both on and off the court.
“I think I’ve realized that I don’t need to be switched on 200 percent of the day,” she told Sky Sports. “That’s usually my tendency—to over-focus. But I’ve learned that I don’t need to suffer or be overly intense all the time.”
The 22-year-old explained that embracing fun and downtime—like kicking around a football before her match—has helped her stay sharp when it matters most.
“It’s nice to relax and enjoy the process. When I go on court now, I feel more present. There’s a time and place for everything.”
Facing a Familiar Rival: Marta Kostyuk
Looking ahead to her second-round clash with Marta Kostyuk, Raducanu acknowledged the challenge ahead but also the familiarity between the two players.
“It’s going to be an immense challenge,” she said. “Marta’s in great form and really comfortable on clay. We grew up playing together in the same age groups—summer and winter cups—so there’s a shared history there.”
Raducanu added that she’s grateful for the opportunity to keep playing and test herself against top competition.
With a more relaxed mindset and a clear focus, Raducanu appears ready to make waves in Madrid—and beyond.
