Emma Raducanu faces a daunting challenge at the 2025 French Open, with a nightmare first-round draw against Wang Xinyu, followed by a potential second-round clash with defending champion and fifth seed Iga Swiatek, as reported by The Independent. Raducanu, unseeded due to her current ranking of No. 59, has been battling a recurring back injury, which flared up during her second-round loss to Danielle Collins at the Strasbourg Open on May 21, 2025. Despite showing promise on clay with a fourth-round run at the Italian Open, where she defeated Veronika Kudermetova 5-7, 6-0, 6-1, her physical condition and tough draw make a deep run at Roland Garros uncertain. Raducanu’s resilience will be tested, especially after her comments about struggling with back spasms, which she described as “frustrating” and intense.
Jack Draper, Britain’s No. 1 and the fifth seed, has a more favorable draw, starting against Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round, according to Sky Sports. Draper, ranked world No. 5 after reaching the Madrid Open final and winning Indian Wells in 2025, could face third seed Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic in the fourth round, presenting a significant challenge. His clay-court form has been strong, evidenced by his Italian Open quarterfinal run, though he lost 6-4, 6-4 to Alcaraz. Despite a hip injury delaying his Australian Open preparations earlier this year, Draper’s recent performances, including a 19-5 season record, suggest he’s primed for a potential breakthrough in Paris.[](https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13285789/australian-open-draw-emma-raducanu-handed-tough-first-round-match-as-katie-boulter-and-jack-draper-also-learn-fate)
The draws highlight contrasting fortunes for the British stars. Raducanu’s early matchup with Swiatek, who has won four French Open titles, could derail her campaign quickly, while Draper’s seeding offers a clearer path, though not without high-stakes tests. Posts on X, like one from @DExpress_Sport, reflect the buzz around the draw, with fans noting the French Open’s tough matchups for Brits, including Jodie Burrage against top seed Aryna Sabalenka. Raducanu and Draper’s fates at Roland Garros, starting May 25, 2025, will hinge on their ability to navigate these challenging draws and manage their respective physical concerns.
