Iga Swiatek's dismissive Emma Raducanu comment and denial after match

Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu will face off at the French Open

Emma Raducanu is set to face Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday. The British ace faces a tough test against world No. 5 Siwatek, and the pair have history with each other. Raducanu defeated Xinyu Wang (7-5, 4-6, 6-3) on Monday to advance at Roland-Garros, already matching her best run at the Paris major. However, she will face a much sterner test against four-time French Open champion Swiatek. The Polish star has won all four of their previous meetings, but was criticised after last year’s Stuttgart Open quarter-final for seeming to dismiss Raducanu’s battling performance in a 7-6, 6-3 defeat. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

When asked about a possible rivalry with Raducanu, Swiatek argued that the British star was simply one of many possible opponents. “Well, I mean, we have plenty of players to play against on WTA Tour, so I wouldn’t say Emma is the one specific that I’m looking forward to play with, because we have tough matchups, you know, every week. Doesn’t really matter for me,” Swiatek said during her press conference. The topic was later raised again, as Swiatek was asked to compare Raducanu to the version of her she defeated at the same tournament in 2022. “Well, honestly I played so many matches since then, I don’t really remember how it went two years ago,” Swiatek replied. “I just remember I was surprised with how she can spin the ball on her forehand because we never played before. So I never knew she’s capable of that, and today I knew that.

Iga Swiatek is the reigning French Open champion

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“So I wouldn’t say there was much difference in that, but for sure, you know, she’s older, she has learned a lot. I would say the intensity was a little bit higher.” Swiatek's lack of enthusiasm to entertain questions about Raducanu could have stemmed from her desire to focus on her game. However, some perceived it as an attempt at playing down Raducanu’s chances of competing for Grand Slam titles again. Their most recent meeting came at the Australian Open in January, when Swiatek thoroughly outclassed the former US Open champion. Raducanu won just one game as she lost 6-1, 6-0 in 70 minutes, but Swiatek denied claims that she had been “ruthless” in her approach. "Well, I don't take it personal, so... I wouldn't say I'm ruthless,” Swiatek argued. “I just try to have the same kind of attitude and same kind of focus no matter what the score is. But it's not like I want to, you know, show something. I'm just playing my game. If it's working, why stop?”

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Iga Swiatek eliminated Emma Raducanu in the third round at the Australian Open

The pair found some common ground on a controversial issue within tennis during Indian Wells last year. Raducanu had argued that the use of different tennis balls from various manufacturers at tournaments increased the risk of players suffering wrist injuries. “I honestly think it’s really bad for us, the way that we have to switch balls every single week and especially when you’ve gone through surgeries,” Raducanu explained. "I know a lot of players who are struggling with wrist problems, too. I don’t understand why every other sport is pretty much the same, whereas in tennis it’s different week to week.” While Swiatek agreed with Raducanu’s point, the former world number one voiced her concern about another related issue. The 23-year-old stated that players are only given a small number of practice balls for each tournament, while replacements are unavailable in standard shops and often in short supply.

Emma Raducanu will hope to win her second Grand Slam in the near future

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