Raducanu Advances, Set to Face Swiatek at French Open

Emma Raducanu advanced to the second round of the 2025 French Open after a tough win over Wang Xinyu, achieved despite battling illness and persistent back problems. She has managed her health issues with dry needling and heat therapy, overcoming her longstanding fear of needles. Now ranked No. 41, Raducanu is set to face world No. 1 and four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek, who has not lost at the French Open since 2021 and has beaten Raducanu in all previous encounters. Raducanu acknowledges clay courts worsen her back issues but stresses the importance of listening to her body. She views the upcoming match as an opportunity to test her progress against the tournament favorite. A win against Swiatek would be a major upset given Raducanu's recent health struggles and Swiatek's dominance on clay.