Raducanu vs Swiatek: A Familiar Rivalry Renewed at Roland Garros
“Ruthless” might just be the perfect word to describe every battle so far between Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu. The two have faced each other four times in total, with the former World No. 1 Swiatek triumphing on all four occasions. Their first clash came on clay during the 2022 Stuttgart Open, followed by another straight-sets defeat for Raducanu at Indian Wells. After that loss, Raducanu acknowledged Swiatek’s dominance, praising her high level of play and calling her performance “ruthless.”
Emma Raducanu on facing Iga Swiatek next at Roland Garros, ‘It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world’
“It’s a match for me where I can test and challenge myself. Exposure to the top players is great for where I’m at, for my development. Especially on clay, it’s… pic.twitter.com/PjgOQG7Gl8
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 26, 2025
Swiatek has maintained a consistent, clinical approach against Raducanu, and now, for the second time this season, the pair is set to meet again—this time at Roland Garros. Their previous encounter in 2025 took place during the Australian Open’s third round, where Raducanu admitted she wasn’t the favorite and expressed excitement at testing herself against one of the best players in the world. That match ended in a lopsided 6-1, 6-0 scoreline in favor of Swiatek.
However, this upcoming meeting may have a different tone. Raducanu enters with confidence following a strong performance at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Swiatek has seen a dip in form, dropping to World No. 5. This shift has opened up discussions about whether Raducanu can finally seize the moment and turn the tide in their rivalry.
In a press conference ahead of their French Open match, Raducanu expressed her excitement about facing Swiatek again. “It’s great, I get another crack at the best in the world,” she said, describing the match as another chance to challenge herself and grow as a player. Acknowledging Swiatek’s dominance on clay—where the Pole has claimed four French Open titles—Raducanu emphasized that she needs to play aggressively. “If I just push the ball, I’m probably going to get eaten,” she stated, emphasizing the need to go for her shots and play assertively.
She further noted that Swiatek has always brought her A-game in their matchups, especially recalling their last battle in Australia. Despite dealing with injuries and fitness concerns—including a back spasm in Strasbourg and a medical timeout during her grueling three-set opening win in Paris—Raducanu remains optimistic and determined.
Interestingly, even in their junior days at Wimbledon in 2018, Swiatek dominated Raducanu with a 6-0, 6-1 win. Still, Raducanu’s recent words reflect a more mature mindset, noting improvements in her game and mentality over recent months.
Meanwhile, Swiatek isn’t underestimating her opponent. Reflecting on their previous encounters, she acknowledged Raducanu’s strong forehand, her topspin control, and her dangerous potential. “She won the US Open. She can play great tennis,” Swiatek said, adding that she’ll need to be intense and focused throughout the match.
Swiatek is also looking to reassert her authority on clay, especially after a disappointing early exit in Rome. Despite her impressive head-to-head record, she respects Raducanu’s talent and recognizes the threat of an underdog with nothing to lose.
With Raducanu seeking her first victory over Swiatek and the Pole aiming to regain momentum on her favorite surface, this Roland Garros clash promises intensity, strategy, and emotion. Whether Raducanu can finally make her breakthrough or Swiatek reaffirms her clay-court supremacy remains to be seen.