Raducanu Draws Potential Swiatek Clash in French Open Return

Early showdown could await as Emma Raducanu faces tough road in Paris

Emma Raducanu’s return to the French Open has taken on an added layer of intrigue following the draw for this year’s tournament at Roland Garros. The 2021 US Open champion, still rebuilding after an injury-ravaged 2023, could face none other than three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in the second round.

It’s a daunting possibility for the Briton, who must first navigate her way past China’s Wang Xinyu in the opening round. But should she manage that, a meeting with Swiatek — the undisputed queen of clay in recent years — could be next. And though Swiatek has looked slightly more vulnerable in 2025, it’s still a towering task for Raducanu, who is yet to find her rhythm on the red dirt.

Swiatek struggling to hit her usual heights

Swiatek’s name has become synonymous with Paris since she won her maiden Grand Slam title here in 2020, and she’s been virtually unbeatable on these courts since. But for the first time in years, the Polish star arrives at Roland Garros not as the world No. 1, but ranked fifth.

It’s been a curious season for Swiatek. She hasn’t lifted a trophy yet in 2025 and has looked out of sorts at times — particularly at the Australian Open, where she dismantled Raducanu in a ruthless early-round performance. Even so, it would take something remarkable to unseat her early on clay, where she thrives on her heavy topspin and relentless intensity.

The draw hasn’t been kind to her. With her lower seeding, Swiatek finds herself in a quarter loaded with potential dangers: Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, who she beat in last year’s final, looms as a possible quarter-final opponent. And further down the road could be a resurgent Elena Rybakina, seeded 11th, in the fourth round.

But before any of that, she may have to fend off Raducanu, who, while still working her way back to top form, remains one of the most unpredictable talents in the draw.

Draper and Sinner set for potential blockbuster

Emma Raducanu on early collision course with Iga Swiatek at the French Open

It’s not just Raducanu flying the British flag in Paris. Jack Draper, now firmly established as Britain’s No. 1 on the men’s side, begins his campaign against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. It’s a winnable match on paper, but beyond that lies a challenging path.

Top Italian and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner — back from a doping ban that rocked the sport earlier this year — is a potential quarter-final opponent. Sinner begins his tournament against France’s Arthur Rinderknech and is expected to progress deep into the tournament if his recent form holds up.

For Draper, who reached the Madrid final and Rome quarter-finals earlier this spring, this French Open marks his best chance yet to make a real impression at a Slam. The big-serving left-hander has taken significant strides on clay this year, and if he stays fit, he could make a serious run.

But the road to Sinner’s quarter isn’t clear-cut either. The likes of Joao Fonseca, Hubert Hurkacz, Jakub Mensik and Alex de Minaur are all potential roadblocks before any Sinner showdown.

Djokovic in the shadows but still a threat

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic starts his campaign for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam against American Mackenzie McDonald. At 38, and coming off a string of disappointing results, the Serb may not be the force he once was, but you can never count him out on the biggest stages.

His clay-court swing has been lacklustre: three straight losses followed by a surprise split from his short-lived coaching partnership with Andy Murray. Still, his draw could have been tougher. He shares a quarter with Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, but avoids Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner until at least the semi-finals.

Speaking of Alcaraz, the defending champion begins against Japan’s Kei Nishikori — a former world No. 4 who has battled injuries of his own. Alcaraz hasn’t hit top form since winning here last year, but few would bet against the 22-year-old raising his level when the stakes are highest.

British hopes beyond the top names

There’s a broader British presence in the draw too. Cameron Norrie has been handed a rematch against Medvedev — the same player who knocked him out in Rome a few weeks ago. It’s a difficult opener, but Norrie’s dogged style could make life difficult for the Russian again.

Jacob Fearnley’s breakthrough year continues with a high-profile debut against Stan Wawrinka, the 40-year-old Swiss veteran and 2015 champion. Wawrinka may be well past his prime, but his name still carries weight — and beating him on the big stage would be a moment to remember for the young Brit.

In the women’s draw, Katie Boulter is eyeing her first-ever main-draw win at Roland Garros. The British No. 1, who won a WTA 125 event in Paris last week, starts against a qualifier — an ideal chance to build momentum.

Sonay Kartal, who has risen more than 200 spots in the rankings in the past year, makes her French Open debut against Russia’s Erika Andreeva. If she gets through the first couple of rounds, she may run into Coco Gauff again — the same opponent who beat her at Wimbledon last summer.

Jodie Burrage, meanwhile, faces a stern test against Danielle Collins, the big-hitting former world No. 7. It’s one of the tougher openers of the entire women’s draw.

What to watch in round one

There’s no shortage of compelling first-round matches. In the men’s field, Zverev opens against young American Learner Tien, while Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut will try to upset Denmark’s Holger Rune. Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded 20th, faces an early challenge against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

In the women’s singles, top seed Aryna Sabalenka begins her campaign against Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova, while Naomi Osaka takes on former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in what promises to be one of the standout clashes of the round. Another eye-catching tie pits 12th seed Rybakina against Belinda Bencic — a match that could easily have been a Slam semi-final not long ago.

Paris promises surprises

As always, the French Open has thrown up a mouth-watering mix of possibilities. With Raducanu and Swiatek potentially on a second-round collision course, and a host of British players facing career-defining moments, Roland Garros is set to deliver another fortnight of drama, storylines and surprises.

For Raducanu, in particular, a match against the game’s clay-court queen could provide a litmus test — not just of her current level, but of her future potential. The road is steep, the draw is brutal, but this is what Grand Slam tennis is all about.