British tennis star Emma Raducanu has disclosed that she has no regret about her decision to compete on clay this season.
Despite losing 6-0 and 7-6 to Solana Sierra in the French Open on Sunday, Raducanu maintained that putting in extra time on clay was valuable for her development.
“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.
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“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.”
Illness Layoff And Coaching Reunion
This was Raducanu’s first Grand Slam since a two-and-a-half-month layoff with a post-viral illness, leaving her short on match practice and confidence.
She continues to suffer from a lingering cough, aggravated by clay dust, and had considered skipping the clay season entirely.
Her recent reunion with US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson brought optimism, but the lack of competitive rhythm was evident against Sierra.
Eyes on Queen’s Club and Wimbledon
Raducanu will now focus on the grass-court season, starting with the WTA 500 at Queen’s Club in June. Grass has historically been her stronger surface, and she hopes to arrive at Wimbledon healthier and match-sharper.
She expressed no regrets about playing on clay, believing that enduring difficult matches is part of building resilience for future success.
However, former British No 1 Johanna Konta has given her verdict on Emma Raducanu’s first round defeat at the 2026 French Open.
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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.”
