PARIS — British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has openly criticized French Open organizers ahead of her highly anticipated second-round clash with world No. 1 Iga Świątek, accusing tournament officials of unfair scheduling and inadequate recovery time between matches.
The 2021 US Open champion, who has been working her way back from multiple surgeries, expressed frustration after being handed a late-night first-round match followed by an early afternoon showdown against Świątek. Raducanu argued that the scheduling disproportionately favors top-seeded players, leaving lower-ranked competitors at a physical disadvantage.
Raducanu's Fiery Press Conference Remarks
During a tense press conference at Roland Garros, the 21-year-old didn't hold back: "It's extremely disappointing to see how little consideration is given to players' recovery needs. I finished my first match at nearly midnight, and now I'm expected to play the world No. 1 with less than 18 hours' rest."
Raducanu pointed out that Świątek enjoyed a significant scheduling advantage, having played her first-round match during the day session on Tuesday. The Pole also received a walkover in her second-round match when her opponent withdrew due to injury, giving her extra recovery time before facing Raducanu.
The Scheduling Controversy
French Open organizers have faced mounting criticism this year for several scheduling decisions that appear to favor established stars over emerging talents. Key issues Raducanu highlighted include:
- Night session matches frequently running past midnight with no adjustment to following day's schedule
- Top seeds consistently receiving preferential daytime slots
- Inadequate recovery time between matches for unseeded players
- No warm-up courts available for late-finishing players
Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo defended the scheduling, telling reporters: "We have to balance many factors including television commitments, ticket holders' expectations, and player requests. While we sympathize with Emma's situation, these decisions are never made lightly." However, Raducanu countered that the current system creates an uneven playing field that makes it harder for lower-ranked players to challenge the established order.
Road to Roland Garros
Raducanu's return to Grand Slam competition comes after an 18-month absence due to multiple surgeries on both wrists and one ankle. Her comeback trail has been marked by:
- A first-round exit at the Australian Open in January
- Encouraging performances in Billie Jean King Cup play
- Gradual improvement in match fitness through clay court tournaments
- An impressive straight-sets victory over qualifier Renata Zarazúa in her Roland Garros opener
Despite the scheduling controversy, Raducanu remains focused on her match against Świątek, acknowledging the challenge ahead: "Iga is the best clay court player in the world right now, and I'll need to be at my absolute best. The circumstances aren't ideal, but I've overcome bigger obstacles in my career."
Historical Context
This isn't the first time scheduling has caused controversy at Roland Garros. In 2022, Alizé Cornet blasted organizers after playing until 12:30 AM, calling the situation "inhumane and dangerous." The WTA has since implemented new rules mandating minimum rest periods, but these don't apply to Grand Slam tournaments, which operate under their own governance.
Looking Ahead
As Raducanu prepares for her showdown with Świątek, the tennis world will be watching closely. The match represents both a stern test of her comeback progress and an opportunity to make a statement against the dominant force in women's tennis. Regardless of the outcome, Raducanu's outspoken criticism has reignited an important conversation about player welfare and competitive fairness at the highest levels of the sport.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman weighed in on the controversy, telling BBC Sport: "Emma has every right to voice her concerns. The scheduling at Slams has been an issue for years, and it's about time the tournaments worked more closely with players to find solutions that don't compromise their health or the integrity of competition."
With the match scheduled for Thursday afternoon on Court Philippe-Chatrier, all eyes will be on whether Raducanu can overcome both the physical challenges and the mental hurdle of facing an opponent who has lost just twice at Roland Garros since 2020. The young Brit remains defiant: "I didn't come here to make up the numbers. However tough the circumstances, I'll give everything I have."