In the wake of Emma Raducanu’s second-round exit from the 2025 French Open, former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki shared her insights regarding the challenges that young players face in professional tennis. Raducanu, who had previously made history by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era with her stunning 2021 US Open victory, has struggled to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments. After her defeat to Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion of Roland-Garros, Wozniacki’s remarks strike a poignant note about the pressures and expectations placed on emerging talents in the sport.
Wozniacki expressed her belief that for the 22-year-old Raducanu to regain her footing and strive for the pinnacle of tennis once more, she must learn to compartmentalize her past triumphs, specifically the remarkable achievements of 2021. “You always get all these opinions from people around, but nobody knows what you go through on the practice court, what you work on, and how hard you work,” Wozniacki commented during a segment aired on TNT Sports and discovery+. Her observation underscores the isolation players often feel and the intense scrutiny they are subjected to, particularly after achieving high levels of success at a young age.
Raducanu’s rapid rise to fame at Flushing Meadows made her journey uniquely challenging. Wozniacki noted the unusual nature of winning a Grand Slam so early in one’s career, which can impose substantial expectations and stresses on a player. She encouraged Raducanu to put aside those external pressures and focus on her current standing in the competitive world of tennis. Specifically, Wozniacki suggested that Raducanu needs to recalibrate her outlook: “Just say ‘this is where I am now—my level is 20 or 30 in the world.’ I need to build from there.”
This emphasis on a pragmatic approach is essential, especially considering Raducanu’s current performance trajectory. Since her groundbreaking Grand Slam victory, she has faced a series of early exits in subsequent major tournaments, including her second-round defeat at the French Open, where she was decisively beaten 6-1, 6-2 by Swiatek. This loss signifies a continued hurdle for Raducanu, as making it past the second round at Roland-Garros remains an unattained milestone in her career thus far.
Wozniacki’s advice extends beyond mere mental toughness; she believes it is also vital for Raducanu to identify her strengths as a player, which can guide her development and performance on the court. “I think you are constantly trying to improve. As a tennis player, you are never a complete player,” she remarked, referencing the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the careers of greats like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Each of these players continually refines their game despite already being at the top, a nuance that can often be lost on younger competitors.
The Danish legend highlighted that players must have a solid foundation in their skill set, a sense of what they excel at. For Wozniacki, her forehand was a consistent strength she could leverage, indicating that Raducanu could benefit from recognizing and building on her own successes, even when faced with adversity. “You need to know your base, what are you really good at, and where you feel comfortable,” she explained. This means maintaining those core elements of one’s game while also expanding other areas to become a more versatile player.
As fans continue to follow Raducanu’s journey, her response to this coaching and mentorship from seasoned players like Wozniacki will undoubtedly shape her future in the sport. The ongoing quest for improvement is integral not only to her development but also to reviving the hopes of fans who eagerly anticipate her return to form in the global arena of tennis. Stream the ongoing matches of the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+ to witness the evolution of players as they navigate the highs and lows of competition.