Emma Raducanu reveals how she’s taken inspiration from Iga Swiatek – as she aims to finally get one over her former junior rival
Emma Raducanu Draws Inspiration from Iga Swiatek Ahead of 2025 French Open Clash
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, revealed she has taken inspiration from Iga Swiatek’s relentless work ethic and clay-court mastery as she aims to overturn a 5-0 head-to-head deficit against her former junior rival at the 2025 French Open, per Tennis365.com. Despite a 6-1, 6-2 second-round loss to Swiatek on May 28, Raducanu’s comments reflect her determination to close the gap, showcasing resilience akin to Coco Gauff and Paula Badosa.
**Raducanu’s Inspiration from Swiatek**
Before their French Open match, Raducanu told TNT Sports she admires Swiatek’s consistency, saying, “Iga’s work ethic is something I really look up to. She’s always grinding, always improving, and that’s what I’m trying to emulate,” per Tennis365.com. She highlighted Swiatek’s ability to dominate on clay, noting, “Her movement and spin on this surface are unreal. It’s a blueprint for what I need to work toward.” Raducanu, who faced Swiatek twice on clay (2022 and 2024 Stuttgart), expressed excitement about the challenge, posting on X, “It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world,” per @TheTennisLetter. Their junior encounters, though not detailed in recent reports, add a personal layer to their rivalry.
**The French Open Match**
Raducanu, ranked No. 41, entered the second round after a gritty 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win over Wang Xinyu, despite feeling unwell, per BBC.com. Against Swiatek, the No. 5 seed and four-time French Open champion, Raducanu struggled on Court Philippe-Chatrier, winning just three games in 79 minutes, per TSN.ca. Swiatek’s 32 winners dwarfed Raducanu’s eight, and her topspin-heavy game left Raducanu feeling “exposed,” per Independent.co.uk. Raducanu admitted, “Iga played really well. It shows the distance I have to improve,” per @luciahoff. A “cold” handshake, described as “dismissive” by Annabel Croft, hinted at tension, per DailyMail.co.uk.[](https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13375888/french-open-emma-raducanu-knocked-out-at-roland-garros-after-iga-swiatek-thrashing)[](https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/iga-swiatek-beats-emma-raducanu-to-extend-her-bid-for-a-fourht-straight-title-1.2313505)[](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/emma-raducanu-french-open-iga-swiatek-result-b2759451.html)
**Raducanu’s Reflections and Goals**
Post-match, Raducanu remained undeterred, telling ESPN, “I don’t feel demotivated. Since Miami, I’ve been building momentum,” per ClutchPoints.com. She acknowledged Swiatek’s pressure, saying, “You feel like there’s no space on the court,” per Independent.co.uk. John McEnroe noted her coaching instability as an “ongoing issue,” per GBNews.com, while Chris Evert advised emulating Swiatek’s focus to avoid post-Slam pitfalls, per Tennis365.com. Raducanu’s work with Mark Petchey and fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura aims to address these gaps, per DailyMail.co.uk.[](https://clutchpoints.com/tennis/french-open-news-iga-swiatek-dominates-emma-raducanu)[](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/emma-raducanu-french-open-iga-swiatek-result-b2759451.html)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-14756357/Emma-Raducanu-coach-interview-French-Open-Iga-Swiatek-test-one-change.html)
**Parallels to Resilience**
Raducanu’s aspiration to match Swiatek mirrors Gauff’s Pride Month advocacy during her French Open run, per Sportskeeda.com, and Badosa’s optimism post-exit, per Nine.com.au. Littler’s defiance against darts crowds and Paolini’s fan fight intervention reflect similar resolve, per GBNews.com, SI.com. Phil Taylor’s warning to Littler about sustained dedication parallels Raducanu’s long-term challenge, per DailyRecord.co.uk.
**Conclusion**
Emma Raducanu revealed she draws inspiration from Iga Swiatek’s work ethic and clay dominance, aiming to finally defeat her former junior rival, per Tennis365.com. Despite a 6-1, 6-2 French Open loss, her fifth straight defeat to Swiatek, Raducanu remains motivated, per @luciahoff. Like Gauff’s advocacy, Badosa’s hope, and Littler’s grit, Raducanu’s resilience drives her forward. She next plays at Queen’s Club (June 9-15), live on TNT Sports.
