Entertainment
Emma Raducanu slams French Open organisers ahead of Iga Swiatek showdown
Emma Raducanu has hit out at French Open organisers, after suggesting the top players are be given more time to practice on show courts in the second Grand Slam of 2025.
Raducanu beat China’s Wang Xinyu 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in two hours and 44 minutes – the joint-longest match of her career on clay – in a match played on the tight and compact Court 8 at Roland Garros.
Even though she is a former Grand Slam champion after her memorable US Open win in 2021, Raducanu is not among the seeds at the French Open and therefore has to accept playing on the outside courts.
That is certain to change when she takes on Iga Swiatek in the second round, with the clash against the defending champion certain to be on one of the bigger courts.
That is a concern for Raducanu, after she claimed she is not getting enough time to practice on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“I feel like certain players get preferred treatment,” said Raducanu.
I honestly think it’s really difficult, because the tournament don’t really help in terms of getting you court time on the bigger courts or on like the match courts, really.
“I feel like, I don’t know, certain players get preferred treatment. It’s very different from at the annex, for example, across the road or other courts to then kind of jump onto Chatrier or jump onto a stadium. It isn’t easy.
“I wish they would give us more opportunities on the stadium or bigger courts, especially if we’re going to play on them.
“That court today, it was cute, intimate. I like you can really feel the fans and their support, because sometimes on a bigger court, if it is not full, it feels a little bit empty. There you’re right in the thick of it.
There is a lot going on. There are other courts around. There’s a lot of noise. There’s music. But it was good I think for me to stay focused and really centred on the match in front of me. But yeah, it does take a little bit of just adjustment.”
Raducanu will be hoping to use the day off she has before the Swiatek clash to recover from an illness that so nearly derailed her efforts against Wang.
“I don’t feel great. It would have felt worse if I had lost. I was really struggling from the start,” added Raducanu.
“She was a tough opponent but I’m really happy to have found a way. Opening rounds are never easy. I haven’t been here for three years so it was a combination of several things.
“I knew I had to start well because it would give me the best chance to keep fighting. When I lost serve at the end it wasn’t the end of the world.
“There are positives. Like a lot of top champions in the first round, they’ve struggled but given themselves another opportunity despite how they’re feeling.
“That’s a quality that is not easy to teach. My character, heart and fight really came through today and I’m proud of that.”
Entertainment
Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour
Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.
We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.
Entertainment
Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence
Entertainment
Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide
-
Entertainment9 months agoFreakin’ Hot Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn Holds Second-Highest Super-G World Cup Wins
-
Entertainment10 months agoEmma Raducanu Living a Luxury Life: A Rising Star’s Glimpse into the Glamorous World
-
Entertainment9 months agoBra-less Charley Hull turns head by showing off bright red body …’
-
Entertainment9 months agoLexi Thompson Flaunts Her Athletic Physique on the Cover of Golf Magazine
-
Entertainment8 months agoCharley Hull Sizzles in Style: The Golf Queen Turning Heads On and Off the Course
-
Entertainment9 months agoPaige Spiranac posts 15 private photos: Everyone is talking about
-
Entertainment9 months ago“Lexi Thompson showcases her stunning legs in stylish outfits.”
-
Entertainment9 months agoCharley Hull Hits the Beach After a Long Day of Golfing


