What's happened
Emma Raducanu's journey at the French Open ended in the second round with a defeat to Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen advances to face Victoria Mboko, showcasing her Olympic gold medal-winning form. Raducanu reflects on her experience and looks ahead to the grass season.
What's behind the headline?
Raducanu's Struggles
- Emma Raducanu's defeat to Iga Swiatek highlights her ongoing challenges since her grand slam victory in 2021.
- Despite a promising start, Raducanu's performance faltered under pressure, indicating a need for further development in high-stakes matches.
Zheng's Momentum
- Zheng Qinwen's confidence is bolstered by her Olympic gold medal, positioning her as a formidable competitor.
- Her upcoming match against Victoria Mboko will test her ability to maintain momentum against younger players eager to make their mark.
Looking Ahead
- Raducanu's focus shifts to the grass season, where she aims to regain her form and confidence.
- The transition to grass courts may provide her with a fresh opportunity to capitalize on her skills and experience.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Emma Raducanu expressed her discomfort during her match against Iga Swiatek, stating, "It was a really difficult match. Iga played really well. It was tough." This reflects her struggle to adapt to the high-pressure environment of Roland Garros. In contrast, Zheng Qinwen, who won her first match convincingly, remarked on the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset, saying, "Every time I see a young player coming, they have a lot of hunger, for sure." This juxtaposition highlights the differing trajectories of the two players as they navigate their careers. The Guardian also noted Raducanu's back issues prior to the tournament, which may have contributed to her performance, stating, "Raducanu will now have the problem fully assessed before travelling to Paris." This suggests that her physical condition remains a concern as she progresses in her career.
How we got here
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, returned to Roland Garros after a three-year absence, facing challenges with form and fitness. Zheng Qinwen, the last woman to win a title at Roland Garros, continues her strong performance following her Olympic success.
Go deeper
- What are Raducanu's plans for the grass season?
- How did Zheng Qinwen perform in her last match?
- What challenges has Raducanu faced since her US Open win?
More on these topics
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Emma Raducanu is a British tennis player.
She has a career-high WTA singles ranking of world No. 333, achieved on 9 March 2020. So far, she has won three singles titles on the ITF Circuit.
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Zheng Qinwen is a Chinese tennis player. She reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 77 on 21 February 2022.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.