French Open: Emma Raducanu reveals why challenging match against Iga Swiatek is 'great' for her

Emma Raducanu defeated Wang Xinyu in her first round match at the 2025 French Open in three sets, and now it is set for a tough battle against four-time champion Iga Swiatek. However, the British star, who won the 2021 US Open, is choosing to see it as test of her form.

“It’s a match for me where I can test and challenge myself. Exposure to the top players is great for where I’m at, for my development,” she told the press after her win. “Especially on clay, it’s her preferred tournament, probably, surface.”

Raducanu explained that she knows what to do and not to do against Swiatek, who is aiming for a fourth consecutive title in Paris. “It’s a match where I can go out and test myself and go for my shots. I know if I just push the ball, I’m probably going to get eaten. I need to, like, hit the ball. I’m looking forward to that challenge,” she said.

While there has been talk about Swiatek’s form, as she hasn’t been able to win a tournament since last year’s Roland Garros, Raducanu says the Polish star has been playing “really well.”

Emma Raducanu during her first round match at the 2025 French Open (Getty Images)

“Especially in Australia this year. I’m looking forward to playing her again. I think in the last months I’ve made good strides with my game and my mentality as well, big time. It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world. I’m looking forward to playing on a big court probably as well,” she concluded.

see also

List of French Open winners | Men’s and women’s singles champions

Raducanu and Swiatek’s head-to-head

Raducanu and Swiatek have played each other four times, and the four matches ended in a win to the Pole. Their last meeting took place at this year’s Australian Open this year, in which Swiatek defeated Raducanu in straight sets, including a bagel (6-0).

This would be their third meeting on clay, as they have played each other twice in Stuttgart. Swiatek is looking to extend her streak as the current WTA player with the most main draw matches won at the French Open (36).