"We know each other's game": Iga Swiatek ready for Emma Raducanu challenge at Roland Garros

Iga Swiatek is already anticipating a big match against Emma Raducanu in the second round of Roland Garros, after starting her French Open title defense with a dominant win. The world No. 5 defeated Rebecca Sramkova 6-3, 6-3 and advanced to the second round of the tournament.

Despite recent questions about her level, the Pole remains – along with Aryna Sabalenka – a top favorite for the title. With four crowns at Philippe Chatrier, the "Queen of Clay" showcased her class in her opening match, being consistent with her serve, winning 70% of first serve points and 67% with the second.

A potential clash with former US Open champion Emma Raducanu was anticipated as soon as the draw was revealed. The Brit fulfilled her responsibility with a hard-fought victory over Xinyu Wang, and now faces the difficult task of trying to break Swiatek's 22-match winning streak at Roland Garros.

A match between Grand Slam champions so early in a tournament always draws attention, especially when it involves Swiatek at her favorite event. However, Swiatek is not overconfident facing Raducanu. "Well, you know, everybody has a different path and different changes. But for sure she's a great player and has a great forehand. She can use her topspin pretty well," Swiatek said.

"So, we already played a couple of times, and we know each other's game. For sure I will need to be intense and focus on myself. She won the US Open. She can play great tennis, and I'll be ready."

With four previous encounters, Swiatek has never had too much trouble against Raducanu, winning all eight sets played. Their last victory – earlier this year at the Australian Open – was particularly convincing with a 6-1, 6-0 score. "I didn't really think about that match, honestly," Swiatek admitted.

For Swiatek, their most notable duel was back in the Stuttgart quarterfinals in 2024, where Raducanu managed to take the first set to a tie-break, though it ultimately wasn't enough against the four-time Grand Slam champion. "I was thinking about our Stuttgart match. I don't really take a lot from that except the experience of knowing how she plays," she added.

"But Melbourne and Roland-Garros are totally different surfaces, different stories. I'll prepare tactically as I should before a clay court match, and that's it."