STRASBOURG — Emma Raducanu delivered a commanding performance to defeat Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the Internationaux de Strasbourg, marking a significant step forward in her preparations for the upcoming French Open.
The 21-year-old Briton, who has been working diligently to regain her form after multiple injury setbacks, showcased a blend of power and precision against the experienced Kasatkina. Raducanu’s aggressive baseline play and improved serve proved decisive as she secured her first win over a top-20 opponent since her triumphant 2021 US Open campaign.
A Statement Performance
Raducanu’s victory was particularly impressive given Kasatkina’s pedigree on clay. The Russian, a former French Open quarterfinalist, struggled to contain Raducanu’s relentless intensity. The Brit dominated with:
- A first-serve win percentage of 78%
- 23 winners to Kasatkina’s 12
- Only 12 unforced errors compared to Kasatkina’s 20
Speaking after the match, Raducanu emphasized her growing confidence on clay: "I’ve been putting in a lot of work on my movement and adapting to the surface. Today, I felt like I was able to dictate play, and that’s something I want to keep building on."
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, has been instrumental in refining her approach on clay. The Brit’s ability to mix deep groundstrokes with well-timed drop shots kept Kasatkina off balance throughout the match. Notably, Raducanu converted 4 of 5 break points, capitalizing on Kasatkina’s second serve, which won her just 38% of points.
Kasatkina, who reached the semifinals in Rome earlier this month, admitted she was outplayed: "Emma was very solid today. She didn’t give me many opportunities, and when she had the chance, she took it. I didn’t feel my best, but credit to her for playing so well."
Key Moments
The turning point came in the first set when Raducanu broke Kasatkina at 4-4 with a blistering cross-court backhand. She then held serve comfortably to take the set. The second set was even more one-sided, with Raducanu racing to a 5-0 lead before closing out the match in just 78 minutes.
This victory marks Raducanu’s third consecutive win on clay, following her successful Billie Jean King Cup appearances last month. Her improved fitness and tactical maturity suggest she could be a dark horse at Roland Garros.
Looking Ahead to the French Open
With the French Open beginning next week, Raducanu’s Strasbourg run provides valuable match practice. She will face either Varvara Gracheva or a qualifier in the second round, offering another opportunity to fine-tune her game. A deep run here could see her seeded in Paris, where she reached the second round last year.
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson praised Raducanu’s progress: "This is the best I’ve seen Emma play in a long time. She’s moving well, striking the ball cleanly, and most importantly, she looks happy on court. That’s a great sign heading into a Grand Slam."
Raducanu’s resurgence comes after a challenging 18 months marred by injuries and inconsistency. However, her recent performances indicate she is rediscovering the form that made her a global sensation in 2021.
Conclusion
Raducanu’s emphatic win over Kasatkina sends a strong message to her rivals. With her confidence growing and her game adapting well to clay, she appears primed to make an impact at Roland Garros. As she put it herself: "I’m just taking it one match at a time, but I’m really enjoying my tennis right now."
For now, Strasbourg offers another chance to build momentum—and if this performance is anything to go by, Raducanu is ready to seize it.