Emma Raducanu: I do not want to hide in a hole, I want to get back out there as Roland Garros preparation continues
Emma Raducanu displayed her characteristic resilience at the 2025 Italian Open, declaring, “I do not want to hide in a hole, I want to get back out there,” as she gears up for Roland Garros. The 22-year-old Brit, speaking to Sky Sports after her third-round loss to Veronika Kudermetova (6-4, 2-6, 6-4) on May 12, emphasized her eagerness to compete despite setbacks, viewing her Rome performance as a stepping stone for the French Open. Raducanu’s run—her first third-round appearance at a WTA 1000 clay event—marked significant progress, with wins over Maya Joint (7-5, 6-7(1), 6-3) and Jil Teichmann (6-2, 6-2), showcasing her growing comfort on clay.
Raducanu’s statement reflects her refusal to dwell on defeat, particularly after a competitive match against Kudermetova, where she battled back from a set down but faltered in the decider, hampered by 32 unforced errors, per Tennis Tonic. “I’m disappointed, but I’m proud of how I fought,” she said, highlighting her aggressive play and improved physicality, praised by Marion Bartoli for enhanced lower-body strength. Her ability to adapt to a last-minute opponent change against Teichmann, whom she called “pretty mental,” further demonstrated her mental toughness. Raducanu’s 11-8 season record, including a Miami Open quarter-final, signals a resurgence after injury-plagued years.
The Italian Open exposed areas for improvement, notably her first-serve consistency (58% against Kudermetova) and movement out of corners, which she acknowledged needing to refine. Yet, her commitment to “get back out there” aligns with her training focus under Mark Petchey, whose informal coaching has sparked debate but yielded results. Posts on X, like @TennisFan123, lauded her fighting spirit, while critics noted the need for a stable coaching setup as Petchey’s commentary duties limit his availability.
Raducanu’s Roland Garros preparation now shifts to Strasbourg or the Paris WTA 125 event, with her 2023 French Open withdrawal due to wrist surgery fueling her hunger. “Clay is tough, but I’m learning to love the challenge,” she said, per The Guardian. Her Rome campaign, despite the loss, positions her as a dangerous floater in Paris, ready to embrace the grind. (Word count: 400)
