It is not disrespectful to say that Emma Raducanu is not (yet) a great clay court player. The talent of the young woman is not to be called into question, as evidenced by her incredible title at the last US Open. But we cannot hope to win Roland-Garros one day by playing as we did to win the New York Grand Slam.
The forces of the British are known. A rather flat and very lively strike. A big coverage of the ground and a suitable footwork to always strike in good position. And a real rage to win. Except that on clay, these weapons are less effective without adjustment. Indeed, a clay court specialist is characterized by her ability to put spin on the ball so that it regains speed after rebounding, and above all by her science of sliding.
Forced, uncontrolled slip
It may not seem like much, but sliding is essential on clay. It is an art or a science, it depends, that you have to master to go far. It is she who allows you to arrive in a good position, and in balance, at the time of the strike. The whole thing is to trigger it at the right time. The common mistake of hitting, then slipping. While the best glide to strike well. Everything that Raducanu does not yet know how to do. Facing Aliaksandra Sasnovich, it was screaming.
Overwhelmed by frustration
After a first set won on her natural qualities, Raducanu had to face an opponent who maneuvered her more, thanks in particular to drop shots. Rarely in a perfect striking position, the Briton saw her balls too often come out of ten centimeters. Overwhelmed by frustration, she only sank when her opponent settled. At 19, she still has time to learn. After all, it was only his first Roland-Garros.
