Emma Raducanu stands by decision to return on clay rather than wait for grass

The tears that unexpectedly welled up in Emma Raducanu’s eyes following another difficult loss gave a glimpse into how heavily the last few years have weighed on her.

The 23-year-old had been downbeat but philosophical about a 6-0 7-6 (4) defeat against Solana Sierra in the first round of the French Open when she was asked about the trajectory her career has taken since the stars aligned in New York five years ago.

Resilience was the word Raducanu settled on as she fought to control her emotions, and she will need to show more of that as she battles to find form again on the grass.

Not the ending we wanted, but definitely not the end of the story.

Emma, we rise together. pic.twitter.com/uTv1emi8Uv

— UNIQLO_Ambassadors (@UQAmbassadors) May 25, 2026

It has once again been a stop-start season for the former US Open champion, who began the year battling a foot injury and then picked up a virus in early February that turned into a post-viral illness.

She spent two-and-a-half months away from the tour and the rust was clear as she struggled to find the court for a set and a half against Argentinian Sierra before at least clawing her way back into the match.

Raducanu had wanted to test herself on clay rather than move straight to preparing for grass, and it was a decision she stood by despite the outcome.

“I think I’ve been practising well but it’s been five, six weeks after two months off,” she said. “It was going to be a big ask coming in. I really wanted to play the French, so that was my decision.

“I stand by it, because I think I got to experience a grand slam. I never want to miss it. I think I competed as well as I could in the second set with what I had.”

That Raducanu is still battling a lingering cough nearly four