Emma Raducanu hopes for improved performances on clay ahead of French Open - 'Suits my game'
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ByEurosport
Published 11/04/2023 at 11:24 GMT
Emma Raducanu says that the clay surface in Stuttgart suits how she plays ahead of the clay-court swing which starts for Britain's No. 1 this weekend. Raducanu exited the competition to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the third round last year, but she believes she can perform well not only in Germany but throughout the clay-court season now she has played more competitive matches on the surface.
'Emma's level is there for sure!' - Robson confident on Raducanu ahead of clay season
Emma Raducanu says that playing on the clay surface in Stuttgart suits her playing style as she prepares for her first clay-court tournament of the season this weekend.
Raducanu has won six of the 11 matches she has played in her career on the red dirt and reached the third round in Stuttgart and Madrid last year.
The British No. 1 lost to Bianca Andreescu in the first round in Rome before going out in the second round of the French Open to Aliaksandra Sasnovich in three sets.
Raducanu hopes she can produce an improved display in Germany now that she has had more experience competing on clay.
"I haven’t played on clay since the last clay-court season, but I’m looking forward to it again," she said in an interview with Porsche.
"I’ve already had my first practice sessions, last year was my first real experience on clay and I was pleased with my progress so it will be fun getting back playing on clay.
"It plays a bit faster than an outdoor clay court, such as Rome, and I think it suits my game.
"The tournament is a super way to begin the clay season. So hopefully, it sets me up well and helps the transition to clay."
Raducanu, who is seeking her first career title since winning the US Open in 2021, has received a wild card entry into the WTA 500 event in Stuttgart with nine of the world's top 10 players set to compete at this year's tournament, which gets underway on April 15.
"I had a great experience last year and played well," the 20-year-old added.
"It’s a fun tournament and very well run so I’m really looking forward to returning to Stuttgart.
"The tournament always attracts the world’s top players. The strong field means there’s some great tennis to be seen and good competition.
"Personally, I like to test myself and compete with the best players in the world, so it’s a challenge I enjoy."
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