Emma Raducanu could be in for a tough French Open after the draw was announced.
Raducanu recently returned to competition at the Strasbourg Open after over two months out of competition due to a viral illness.
The Briton lost in the first round in her return to the WTA Tour, but Raducanu has been spotted practicing ahead of the French Open.
Although Raducanu has plenty of time to practice in Paris, her time at the tournament itself may be short-lived.
Emma Raducanu’s French Open draw has been announced
Raducanu is confirmed to play Solana Sierra in her first round match at the French Open this year.
Sierra is the current world number 64 and may not seem like a huge threat to Raducanu, but the Argentinian has impressed during the clay court season.
The 21-year-old reached both the fourth round in Madrid and the third round of the Italian Open, with Sierra also pushing eventual finalist Coco Gauff all the way in Rome.
At which Grand Slam is Emma Raducanu most likely to win a second major title? Let us know why below 👇
This is the first time that Raducanu will play Sierra, who reached the fourth round of Wimbledon last year, and she could now be under threat of an early exit at the French Open this year.
If the 2021 US Open champion is able to overcome Sierra, then Raducanu could play former French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini in the second round.
Some of the other potential threats to Raducanu in her half of the draw include four-time champion Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva and the in-form Sorana Cirstea.
How has Emma Raducanu performed at the French Open previously?
Despite having won the US Open nearly five years ago, Raducanu has only made two previous appearances at the French Open.
Raducanu lost in the second round of the French Open on both of these occasions, including a heavy defeat to Swiatek at last year’s tournament.
| Year | Emma Raducanu’s result at the French Open |
| 2022 | Second Round – Lost to Aliaksandra Sasnovich |
| 2025 | Second Round – Lost to Iga Swiatek |
After the draw was made for this year’s tournament, Raducanu could be at risk of suffering unwanted career history if she loses in the opening round of the French Open.
Raducanu has not won a match since Indian Wells in March and is still short on matches ahead of the clay court major.
The main draw of the French Open starts on Sunday, May 24, as Raducanu looks to return to winning ways against Sierra.
