Emma Raducanu is making her much-anticipated return to the clay courts at the Madrid Open. Following an impressive quarter-final run at the Miami Open, the British player strategically skipped two events to focus on her preparation. Now, all eyes are on her first-round match against Suzan Lamens, as fans eagerly wait to see if her focused training will translate into success on the slower surface.
A Calculated Shift from Hard Court to Clay
Raducanu turned heads in March with her powerful performance in Miami, where she defeated several higher-ranked opponents before a hard-fought loss to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula. It was a clear sign that the grit and talent from her 2021 US Open victory are still very much present.
Instead of carrying that momentum directly into competition, she made the bold decision to withdraw from the Billie Jean King Cup and a tournament in Rouen. This move prioritized dedicated clay-court training over immediate match play. The hope is that this period of intense preparation will give her the best possible chance to adapt her game for the unique challenges of clay.
Her coach, Mark Petchey, remains in her corner on an informal basis. Their partnership clicked well in Miami, and his tactical guidance will be crucial as she navigates her first clay tournament of the season.
Your Guide to Raducanu’s Opening Match
For fans wanting to tune in, Raducanu is scheduled for a compelling first-round clash. The match time is an estimate, as it follows two other matches on the same court, so delays are possible.
| Opponent | Suzan Lamens (NED) |
| Match Day | Wednesday, April 23 |
| Estimated Time | 2:30pm local / 1:30pm BST |
| Court | Arantxa Sanchez Stadium |
| How to Watch in UK | Sky Sports or NOWTV Day Pass |
First-Round Foe is a Formidable Threat
While Suzan Lamens may not be a household name, she is a dangerous opponent who is in excellent form. The Dutch player is coming into the tournament with confidence, having recently secured a significant victory over British No. 1 Katie Boulter during the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
That win proves she is more than capable of causing an upset on her preferred surface. Raducanu cannot afford a slow start. She will need to find her rhythm quickly and be prepared for a tough battle, as Lamens is unlikely to give away any easy points.
The Draw Does not Get any Easier
Should Raducanu advance to the second round, her path in Madrid is filled with major challenges. A win against Lamens would likely set up a match against a tough competitor. Here is a look at what could be next:
- Potential Second Round: A matchup against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, currently ranked 29 in the world.
- Potential Quarter-Final: A showdown with the formidable world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka.
A deep run in Madrid will require Raducanu to be at her absolute best. The draw is a minefield of elite talent, but her performance in Miami showed she is capable of flipping the script against the world’s best players.
Why this Tournament is so Important
The Madrid Open is more than just a tune-up for the French Open; it is a prestigious WTA 1000 event that offers significant ranking points. For Raducanu, whose ranking has been impacted by injuries, a strong performance here is vital.
Success in Madrid would not only boost her ranking but also provide a massive injection of confidence ahead of Roland Garros. This week feels like a defining moment for her clay-court season and could set the tone for the months to come.
