Emma Raducanu optimistic after training with Novak Djokovic's ex-coach before French Open

Emma Raducanu has shared her optimism ahead of the upcoming clay-court swing after training with Novak Djokovic's former coach. The world No 12 had been practising at Riccardo Piatti's academy ahead of her professional debut on the surface and sounds confident with her first-ever French Open looming.

Raducanu is set to play her first professional match on the clay in Britain's Billie Jean King Cup tie against the Czech Republic on Friday. It's her first call-up for the squad and comes ahead of her first WTA Tour event on the surface next week in Stuttgart.

Ahead of her first match in the BJK Cup against Tereza Martincova, the US Open champion admitted she thought clay could become one of her "strongest surfaces" after what sounded like a successful recent training period at the Riccardo Piatti Training Centre before the clay swing. "I feel this could be one of my strongest surfaces going forward but of course it's early days right now," the 19-year-old said.

Raducanu has now played all but one of the Grand Slams in her young career, with the French Open the last one for her to make her debut in at the end of May. And the Brit believes she'll be able to improve ahead of the clay-court Major after spending some time on the surface. She continued: "I feel like I have got a lot more potential physically. And I do enjoy sliding.

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"So, after spending more time on this surface, I'm sure I'll time it better and learn more about the surface but also just the time that the clay brings. I feel like I can really use it and play aggressive." After her training session at the Piatti academy, Raducanu sparked rumours that she would be working with the man who