Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has expressed strong confidence in Emma Raducanu’s ability to win another Grand Slam, citing her 2021 US Open triumph as proof of her potential. Speaking at a press conference before her first-round match at the French Open 2025 on May 26, 2025, at Roland Garros, Wozniacki, the 2018 Australian Open champion, said, “If Emma won a Grand Slam once, she can definitely do it again. She’s got the game, the fight, and she’s been through so much already at such a young age.” Her comments, reported by Tennis.com, come as Raducanu, ranked No. 41, prepares for a daunting second-round clash against four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek on May 30.
Wozniacki’s Endorsement
Wozniacki, who reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals in 2010 and 2017, highlighted Raducanu’s resilience despite recent struggles with injuries and form. “She’s had a tough time with injuries, but she’s shown she can compete at the highest level,” Wozniacki noted, referencing Raducanu’s first-round win over Wang Xinyu (7-5, 4-6, 6-3) on May 25, despite illness and a back spasm. Wozniacki, a mother of two who returned to tennis in 2023 after a three-year hiatus, drew parallels to her own comeback, adding, “It’s not easy to come back, but Emma’s got that spark. She just needs to stay healthy and keep believing.” Posts on X, like @TennisFanatic, amplified Wozniacki’s praise: “Caroline knows what it takes. If she believes in Emma, that’s huge.”
Raducanu’s Context and Challenges
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open win at 18, as a qualifier, remains a historic feat, but she has yet to reach another Grand Slam quarterfinal. Her 2025 clay season showed promise, with a fourth-round run at the Italian Open and a win over Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg, but her 1-2 Roland Garros record and ongoing health issues—exacerbated by a nearly three-hour first-round match and scheduling frustrations—pose hurdles. Facing Swiatek, who holds a 4-0 head-to-head edge, including a 6-1, 6-0 rout at the 2025 Australian Open, Raducanu’s task is formidable. Wozniacki’s belief in her aligns with Raducanu’s own resolve, as she told BBC Sport: “I’m not here to just make up the numbers. I know I can compete with anyone if I’m at my best.”
Connections to Broader French Open Narratives
Wozniacki’s endorsement ties into the 2025 French Open’s themes of resilience and redemption. Like Paula Badosa’s emotional win over Naomi Osaka, Alex de Minaur’s clay-court paradox, and Jannik Sinner’s milestone victory, Raducanu’s journey reflects the fight to overcome setbacks. Taylor Fritz’s revenue advocacy and Coco Gauff’s bold predictions highlight players pushing boundaries, while off-field stories like Jack Grealish’s transfer saga and Luke Littler’s darts controversy mirror Raducanu’s high-stakes pressure. As she faces Swiatek, Wozniacki’s words offer a boost, but Raducanu’s health and performance will determine if she can reignite her Grand Slam spark.
