Emma Raducanu has shed light on the “difficult moments” she faced this season after a winning start in Madrid. The British No. 2 beat Suzan Lamens 7-6(4) 6-4 on Wednesday, earning her first clay-court win in more than a year. Afterwards, Raducanu touched on her team, which includes “informal” coach Mark Petchey and her long-time friend and mentor Jane O’Donoghue, revealing that they had picked her up during some tough times.
Raducanu has limited experience on the clay, but that didn’t stop her from producing an impressive performance against in-form Lamens, who won both her singles matches on indoor clay at the BJK Cup before reaching the Rouen semi-final. The Brit had to problem-solve to come back from a break down in both sets and was vocal throughout the match, roaring in celebration when she saved break points and got herself out of tough spots.
Afterwards, Raducanu explained why the win was so significant. “It meant a lot to me to get my first match win [on the clay]. I mean, last year, I lost first round here and then didn’t play for the rest of the clay court season,” she told Sky Sports.
“This year, to have won my first match here on outdoor clay in years. I mean, actually I didn’t even play in 2023. So I think 2022 was my last win on outdoor clay and that’s three years later.”
Raducanu was also delighted to win in front of some close confidants in her box, admitting that she had overcome some difficulties with them by her side.
She continued: “So it did mean a lot and to have the people I had on the side of the court, it meant a lot for them to be there with me.
“And they’ve really picked me up through some very difficult moments at the start of this year and the season so far. And yeah, I’m just happy to come through.”
Raducanu has already been through a lot in 2025. In January, her 14-month coaching partnership with Nick Cavaday ended when he stepped away for health reasons.
A month later, the 22-year-old became distressed when a man who had previously “exhibited fixated behaviour” turned up at her match in Dubai and had to be removed.
The world No. 49 is finding joy on and off the court again, partly thanks to Petchey, who also helped Raducanu out at the Miami Open. A Tennis Channel commentator, Petchey is juggling his media duties with coaching Raducanu.
Their current agreement is an “informal” one, but he’s been helping her relax off the court. The pair had a kickabout minutes before Raducanu’s match on Wednesday, and the former US Open champion has learned that it’s okay to drop the intensity at times.
“I think I’ve realised that I don’t need to be switched on like 200 per cent of the day, which is what I am usually like and have a tendency to be,” she explained.
“I don’t need to necessarily suffer or be so down and just to be so focused. I think I can enjoy, have fun, I was playing football. I’ve improved a bit since Miami!
“It’s nice to be able to relax and then when I go on the court I’m switched on. There’s a time and a place for everything.”
Raducanu will now face 23rd seed Marta Kostyuk in round two. The pair have a 1-1 record on the professional tour, with Raducanu winning their 2022 Madrid meeting, but they go way back.
The Brit added: “I grew up playing with her. We played all of the summer cups, winter cups together, we’re the same age group. It will be interesting. So much has happened in both of our careers.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk