Emma Raducanu makes clay confession ahead of Great Britain’s BJK Cup tie against France
Emma Raducanu will make her long-awaited return for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup against France on Friday and she admits she is looking forward to the challenge of playing on clay.
The 21-year-old has not represented Team GB since her debut in 2022 when she played two matches against the Czech Republic during the qualifying round.
But she returns to fold for the tie against France which will take place on the clay at Le Portel on Friday and Saturday.
Raducanu’s experience on the surface is limited as she has played only 12 matches on the clay – including the two encounters against the Czechs two years ago – with her win-loss record 6-6.
Although she is still mastering the art of playing on the red dirt, the former world No 10 believes once she comes to grip with the sliding, the surface will suit her game.
“I’ve not spent so much time on clay over the past few years,” she said.
“It was interesting at the beginning but I think I learned pretty quickly. I’m starting to feel a lot better on the surface. I think in the future it’s going to be a surface that actually suits me. I’m maybe a little bit away from that right now but I’m enjoying it and I’m enjoying the challenge.
“I think it’s great that we can be in this position playing the French, who are so dominant. Coming on clay I definitely think we’re the underdogs but we have a lot of game and we’re ready to play this weekend.”
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Raducanu has been given a tough opening assignment as she will take on the world No 23 Caroline Garcia in her opening match.
The former US Open winner has played the experienced Garcia twice before as she beat her her at the 202 Indian Wells Open before losing at Wimbledon a few months later.
British No 1 Katie Boulter will face Diane Parry in the opening match on Friday and Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong echoed Raducanu’s comments about the team being underdogs.
“We’re here on French turf. The French have the home support, they have the experience in this team, they’ve had a lot of success in this competition,” she said.
“But I’m confident and I back my players. It’s a great opportunity. We’ve prepared as well as we could have and I’m looking forward to the matches tomorrow.”
