"Tactically, it’s a great surface to learn": Laura Robson asks Emma Raducanu to focus on clay court season

Former British player Laura Robson suggested that her countrywoman Emma Raducanu focus on the clay court, where, in her opinion, she could do well. The 22-year-old was once regarded as the next big thing, especially after winning the US Open at the age of 18 back in 2021.

However, since then, not much has gone right for Raducanu, who has struggled to maintain fitness and form. She returned to the court in 2023 after spending a considerable amount of time on the sidelines. The return has not been that fruitful for the one-time Grand Slam winner, who, every now and then, decided to take a break to regain full fitness and manage her workload.

Former British player Robson has recently spoken to Sky Sports, where she asked Raducanu to focus more on the clay court season. The 31-year-old stated that in her opinion, the clay court is one court where the young British tennis star could do well.  

“I’m sure Emma would like to do well on clay and grass this year and play a full schedule. Clay is great for developing all areas of the game," said Robson. "Tactically, it’s a great surface to learn how to turn around matches when you are behind in slower conditions. Clay conditions change so much depending on the weather and where you are playing. Madrid is always so different to Rome and it might be that one set of conditions suits Emma better than the other."

This year, Raducanu has played in seven events and on four occasions, she suffered a first-round exit. Her most recent outing at the Miami Open was a good one, where she was eventually knocked out after losing in the quarterfinal to the 2024 US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-2. Raducanu is now set to feature in the Madrid Open, where she will face Suzan Lamens in the first round on Tuesday.