Emma Raducanu Feeling ‘Constant Pressure’ as Brit Opens Up After Horror French Open Exit
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, expressed feelings of “constant pressure” following a one-sided 6-1, 6-2 second-round defeat to defending champion Iga Swiatek at the French Open 2025 on May 28, 2025, at Roland Garros. The loss, her fifth straight-sets defeat in five matches against Swiatek, highlighted the gulf between the world No. 41 Brit and top-tier players, prompting candid reflections on her struggles and future goals. Despite the setback, Raducanu remains optimistic, focusing on her grass-court season and a rankings boost to No. 37, alongside £92,211 in prize money.
Raducanu’s Match and Pressure Points
Raducanu’s match against Swiatek on Court Philippe-Chatrier lasted just over an hour, with Swiatek’s heavy topspin and defensive prowess overwhelming her. Raducanu admitted Swiatek’s intensity made her “feel like I have to do something extra,” leading to errors as she overhit under pressure. She told BBC Sport, “You just don’t really feel like there is that much space on the court… you feel constant pressure,” highlighting Swiatek’s ability to make her side “feel narrow” and the opponent’s side “wide.” X posts echoed this, with @TheTennisLetter quoting Raducanu acknowledging the “distance” she must improve, and @edenstanwarr noting her passive play was “suicide” against Swiatek.
Raducanu’s first-round win over Wang Xinyu (7-5, 4-6, 6-3) showed resilience despite illness, requiring medical attention for blood pressure and energy issues. However, against Swiatek, her backhand bled errors, and her strategy faltered after early aggression. Former British No. 3 Naomi Cavaday described Raducanu as “Iga’s personal ball machine,” while Tim Henman suggested her low energy from the Wang match left her exposed.
Context of Pressure and Career Trajectory
Raducanu’s “constant pressure” stems from multiple sources: her 2021 US Open triumph at 18, which set lofty expectations, and her struggle to match that form. She has won only three of 14 career matches against top-10 players, and her 0-5 record against Swiatek, including a 6-1, 6-0 Australian Open 2025 loss, underscores the challenge. Her clay-court season showed progress, with wins over Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg and at the Billie Jean King Cup, but a back spasm in Strasbourg and illness in Paris hampered her.
Raducanu also faced external pressures, slamming French Open organizers for scheduling issues, and reflecting on past coaches pressuring her to play through injuries. She now prioritizes listening to her body, using dry needling and heat therapy to manage her back. Her coach, Mark Petchey, absent during her Wang match due to commentary duties, has helped rebuild her game, but @MSports_all reported him warning she must overcome challenges to fulfill her potential.
Sentiment and Outlook
Despite the “horror” exit, Raducanu remains undeterred, telling BBC Sport, “I don’t want to go and hide in a hole… I need to get over it.” Her progress in 2025, with more three-set wins and a top-40 return, fuels optimism. She heads to Queen’s Club for the grass season, where clay’s physical toll is less pronounced. @GBNEWS reported her worrying “I don’t know what to do” against Swiatek, but @TheTennisTalker highlighted her excitement to face Swiatek with “no pressure.”
Conclusion
Emma Raducanu’s 6-1, 6-2 French Open 2025 loss to Iga Swiatek exposed her “constant pressure” against elite players, with Swiatek’s topspin and defense forcing errors. Despite illness and a back spasm, her first-round win over Wang showed grit. With a rankings rise to No. 37 and £92,211 earned, Raducanu eyes grass courts to bridge the gap to top players, akin to Littler’s darts focus or Grealish’s career reset. Her resilience, noted on X by @TheTennisLetter, signals a determined path forward.
