Emma Raducanu’s radiant smile, which lit up the tennis world during her historic 2021 US Open victory, has returned—and with it, a renewed sense of joy in her game.
Following that extraordinary win in New York, Raducanu struggled to find her footing on the WTA Tour. The weight of expectation, relentless media attention, and pressure from sponsors created a challenging transition to life as a Grand Slam champion. She admitted there were times when tennis felt more like an obligation than a passion.
Injuries further disrupted her momentum, and her frequent coaching changes invited criticism. Yet, despite lengthy spells off court, Raducanu’s story continued to captivate, especially among young fans inspired by her meteoric rise.
However, a shift in tone emerged this season. After reaching the quarter-finals at the Miami Open in March, Raducanu’s trademark smile made a welcome return. Her positive energy has also been evident on clay—previously her least preferred surface—where she’s shown growing confidence.
After a hard-fought second-round match in Madrid, she followed up with a solid victory over lucky loser Jil Teichmann in Rome, setting up a third-round appearance at the Italian Open.
“I still don’t really feel comfortable on clay, but in a way, it helps me focus,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “The rallies are longer, the balls heavier—it’s physical, but I’m slowly finding my feet.”
Unlike last year, when she skipped the clay season in favor of grass-court tournaments in the UK, Raducanu has embraced the red dirt this time around. Her evolving mindset has been accompanied by technical improvements, particularly in her serve.
“If you compare my serve now to Australia or Miami, it’s a completely different motion,” she said. “I’m trying to make it longer, more fluid—something more stable under pressure. It’s still a work in progress, but I see a lot of potential.”
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli praised Raducanu’s physical improvements on clay, especially her movement. “She’s moving better, which is crucial on this surface,” Bartoli noted. “Her lower-body strength has clearly improved—she’s been putting in the hours at the gym, and it’s paying off.”
Much of this resurgence has coincided with Mark Petchey and longtime mentor Jane O’Donoghue joining her team on a part-time basis. Though the coaching setup remains unofficial, the positive atmosphere is palpable.
“Emma probably doesn’t want someone who’s overly technical,” Bartoli added. “What she needs is guidance, someone who can help her adapt tactics mid-match. And with Mark’s experience, he brings that without overwhelming her.”
Raducanu’s trust in her team is visible—frequent eye contact with her box reflects a growing confidence in her support system. This evolving version of the British star might not just be a comeback—it could be the beginning of something more sustainable and grounded than her rapid first ascent.
