Paris, May 28, 2025 — British tennis star Emma Raducanu is preparing for a high-stakes showdown against world No. 5 Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open. The 22-year-old, who earned a gritty three-set win over Wang Xinyu on Monday, now faces a monumental challenge in trying to upset the four-time Roland Garros champion, often dubbed the “Queen of Clay.”
Despite the odds, Raducanu is entering the match with renewed confidence, improved fitness, and a hunger to prove she belongs among the elite. Her backhand has always been a key weapon, but analysts are now praising her increasingly reliable forehand, especially the heavy cross-court shots that could pressure Swiatek’s vulnerable down-the-line returns.
Swiatek, 23, holds a near-invincible record at Roland Garros, with 36 wins in 38 matches and no losses since 2021. However, the Polish star has shown some cracks in 2025. She hasn’t reached a final this season and suffered a surprise early exit in Rome. Former champions and analysts alike believe Raducanu’s aggressive style could be the key to disrupting Swiatek’s rhythm.
Raducanu and Swiatek have faced off four times, with Swiatek winning all encounters—most recently in a lopsided 6-1, 6-0 victory at the Australian Open earlier this year. But Raducanu has quietly built momentum, climbing to world No. 41 after a promising run in Miami and solid performances on clay in Rome and Strasbourg.
“I think her forehand has developed into one of the best aspects of her game,” said former British No. 1 Annabel Croft, who is covering the match for BBC Radio. “She knows she needs to be aggressive. You can’t play catch-up against someone like Swiatek.”
Criticized in the past for inconsistent fitness and injuries, Raducanu has shown new resilience in 2025. After overcoming illness before her opening match, she bounced back with strong conditioning and mental resolve to close out the deciding set. This improved durability could be critical in a long clay-court battle.
While Swiatek enters the match as the overwhelming favorite, tennis history is filled with upsets, and Raducanu has shown she can rise to the occasion—most notably during her stunning run to win the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. Today’s match at Court Philippe Chatrier might just be her best chance yet to flip the narrative against a dominant rival.
The matchup is drawing global attention, with live coverage across major platforms and betting markets strongly favoring Swiatek. According to BetMGM, Swiatek is listed at 1/10, while Raducanu is a longshot at 13/2. Yet, in tennis, momentum can shift quickly.
Whether Raducanu can finally conquer Swiatek remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this match will be a defining moment in her 2025 season.
Stay tuned for live updates, post-match analysis, and expert insights as Emma Raducanu takes on Iga Swiatek in what could be the most talked-about clash of the French Open’s early rounds.