LONDON — Emma Raducanu’s return to grass-court tennis could see her face a blockbuster second-round clash with reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham, following the release of the tournament draw on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Brit, who received a wildcard entry, will open her campaign against a qualifier or lucky loser. Should she progress, she would likely meet the top-seeded Krejcikova, setting up a tantalizing early test for both players. Raducanu, currently ranked No. 165 after her lengthy injury layoff, is seeking momentum ahead of Wimbledon, while Krejcikova aims to solidify her grass-court credentials.
A Stern Early Test for Raducanu
Raducanu’s potential matchup against Krejcikova would mark their first career meeting. The Czech star, ranked No. 28, arrives fresh off her maiden Wimbledon triumph last year and has been vocal about her ambitions on grass. "I love playing on grass—it suits my game perfectly," Krejcikova said in a recent interview. "Every match here is important, especially with Wimbledon around the corner."
For Raducanu, the tournament represents a critical step in her comeback. Since her stunning 2021 US Open victory, injuries and form struggles have plagued her progress. However, her recent performances—including a run to the quarterfinals at the Nottingham Open—hint at a resurgence.
- Raducanu holds a 4-3 record on grass this season.
- Krejcikova has won 8 of her last 10 matches on the surface.
- The Brit leads their head-to-head in junior competitions, but they’ve never faced off professionally.
The Road Ahead in Birmingham
Beyond the potential Krejcikova showdown, the Birmingham draw presents other intriguing matchups. Defending champion Jelena Ostapenko looms in the bottom half, while British No. 1 Katie Boulter could face a tough opener against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.
Key First-Round Matches to Watch
- Katie Boulter vs. Paula Badosa: A battle of big hitters, with Boulter looking to avenge her loss to Badosa at Eastbourne last year.
- Jelena Ostapenko vs. Caroline Garcia: A clash of former top-10 players, both known for their aggressive baseline play.
- Harriet Dart vs. a qualifier: Dart, another British hopeful, will aim to capitalize on home support.
Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, emphasized the importance of match sharpness: "Emma’s focus is on building rhythm. Every match on grass is valuable, and she’s embracing the challenge."
What’s at Stake for Both Players?
For Raducanu, a deep run in Birmingham would boost her ranking and confidence ahead of Wimbledon, where she remains a crowd favorite. Krejcikova, meanwhile, is eyeing a strong grass-court season to reclaim a top-20 spot.
The tournament also holds significance for British tennis, with four home players—Raducanu, Boulter, Dart, and Fran Jones—in the main draw. "It’s fantastic to see so much British talent competing at this level," said tournament director Patrick Hughesman.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Clash?
Should Raducanu and Krejcikova meet in the second round, it would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the pre-Wimbledon swing. Raducanu’s fearless ball-striking against Krejcikova’s crafty all-court game promises fireworks.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see how it unfolds—the Rothesay Classic begins on Monday, with Raducanu expected to play her opener on Tuesday. "I’m just excited to compete," Raducanu told reporters. "Every match is a chance to improve."
With Wimbledon just weeks away, all eyes will be on Birmingham to see if Raducanu can reignite her 2021 magic—or if Krejcikova will reaffirm her status as the queen of grass.