British tennis star, Emma Raducanu, has said she has no regrets about her decision to feature on clay this season, despite a first-round exit at the 2026 French Open in France.
Raducanu was beaten 6-0, 7-6 by Solana Sierra on Sunday, but insisted the experience was still important for her long-term development on the surface.
“It’s very difficult… I’m trying my best each day, and that’s all I can ask of myself.
“I think I’ve been practising well but it’s been five, six weeks after two months off. 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.”
The defeat marked Raducanu’s first Grand Slam appearance since a two-and-a-half-month break caused by a post-viral illness, which limited her preparation and affected her confidence going into the tournament.
She is also still managing a lingering cough that has been worsened by clay dust, and had previously considered skipping the entire clay-court swing.
There has, however, been renewed optimism following her reunion with US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson, although her lack of match sharpness was evident against Sierra.
Raducanu will now turn her attention to the grass-court swing, beginning with the WTA 500 event at Queen’s Club in June. Grass has traditionally been her most successful surface, and she will hope to arrive at Wimbledon in better physical condition and sharper form.
Despite the setback, she reiterated that playing through difficult spells is part of building resilience and experience for future success.
Konta offers assessment
Former British No 1 Johanna Konta also gave her view on Raducanu’s early exit, suggesting adjustments are needed in her overall game plan.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Konta assessed that Raducanu “needs to add her game.”
“I think people are obviously aware of her, the players will know who she is, which is where the good and the bad is,” said Konta, who reached a career-high ranking of world No 4.
“There is the knowledge, that she can do well when she’s playing well. But players are used to how she plays, so she needs to add her game.
“It’s a double-edged sword. She will always be a Grand Slam champion, which is a fact, but players are a lot more prepared now when she steps onto the court.”
