Mon May 26 09:10:00 UTC 2025: **Raducanu Returns to Roland Garros, Faces Wang Xinyu in Opening Match**
**Paris, France** – Emma Raducanu is making her first French Open appearance since 2022, facing China’s Wang Xinyu on Court 8. The former US Open champion has been battling a back spasm, requiring treatment in the lead-up to the tournament. Despite not feeling 100%, Raducanu expressed readiness to compete, having overcome a fear of needles to manage the pain.
The match began with Raducanu appearing to dominate early rallies, but BBC Sport reported that Raducanu might be assessing her back issue while on court and she may not be running for some balls. The atmosphere at Roland Garros is vibrant, with fans queuing before the gates opened to secure prime spots for the day’s matches.
Other British players in action today include Jodie Burrage, facing Danielle Collins, and Katie Boulter, up against Carole Monnet. Jacob Fearnley will take on Stan Wawrinka in the men’s draw. Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner are also set to begin their campaigns today.
Meanwhile, in other first-round action, Aryna Sabalenka cruised to victory, dropping only one game in her match against Kamilla Rakhimova. Jasmine Paolini survived a scare to advance, while Elina Svitolina secured a comfortable win. Petra Kvitova, returning from maternity leave, was defeated by Viktorija Golubic.
First Piper 