Emma Raducanu is optimistic that her health issues are behind her as she gears up for her opening match at the French Open on Sunday. The British No. 1 will face Argentina's Solana Sierra in the first round, marking just her second match since March following a two-and-a-half-month absence due to a post-viral illness.
Raducanu's Health Update
After a close loss to Diane Parry in Strasbourg this week, Raducanu emphasized that being healthy again is paramount. 'I feel a lot better,' the 23-year-old said. 'I thought I’d completely flipped it. There’s just been a little bit of a lingering cough. But I feel, health-wise, really good. I played a really positive match in Strasbourg in the sense it was over two hours and physically I pulled up really well.'
Unseeded but Determined
Raducanu's extended absence caused her to drop out of the top 32, leaving her unseeded in Paris. While she avoided the biggest names, Sierra, ranked 64th, is comfortable on clay and made a surprise run to the fourth round of Wimbledon last year. 'It’s going to be a really tricky first round, especially coming in light on matches, but I’m just proud of how I’m approaching every day, proud of the work I’m putting in,' Raducanu said. 'I know I’m going to have to play really good tennis and be aggressive. The conditions are pretty lively in the practice days, as the weather is hot, but that could be a good thing.'
Norrie Battles Rib Injury
With Jack Draper sidelined, Cameron Norrie was seen as Britain's best hope for a deep run, but the 20th seed revealed he is struggling with a rib injury. 'I haven’t been able to hit since I’ve arrived here, so just been enjoying Paris and resting,' he said. 'But I think I needed the rest, so maybe it’s a good thing. I really know I’m feeling the ball well. Luckily, I’m scheduled on Tuesday so I have some time to recover. Hopefully I can be good to play.' Norrie, who faces Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round, admitted he may have overdone training, including a five-set practice match against American Ben Shelton lasting nearly five hours.
Other British Players
Six British players are in the main draws. In the men's singles, Jacob Fearnley and qualifier Toby Samuel join Norrie. Fearnley, who has also dealt with a rib problem this season, has struggled to replicate his stellar first year on tour, winning only seven matches all year. He could face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the second round if he beats Juan Manuel Cerundolo. 'I did go up the rankings pretty fast and maybe didn’t have the time to really reflect on it and appreciate it for what it was,' the 24-year-old said. 'And maybe got too far ahead of myself. Life in general, there’s ups and downs, and just on a little bit of a down right now, but no reason why I can’t get back up.' Samuel, making his Grand Slam debut, faces eighth seed Alex de Minaur of Australia. In the women's draw, Katie Boulter plays wild card Akasha Urhobo, and Fran Jones meets Beatriz Haddad Maia.
