Sport Discussed

By Ben Phillips

British tennis players have made a remarkable start at the 2025 French Open, traditionally a challenging tournament for them due to the clay surface. This year, however, has seen a series of impressive performances from both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, signalling a potential shift in Britain’s clay-court fortunes. 

Cameron Norrie: A Gritty Upset

Cameron Norrie, ranked 81st globally, delivered a stunning performance by defeating 11th seed Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller: 7–5, 6–3, 4–6, 1–6, 7–5. This victory marks Norrie’s first win over Medvedev, highlighting his tenacity and adaptability on clay. After a challenging 2024 season, this win could signify a resurgence for the British No. 3.

Jacob Fearnley: A Debut to Remember

Making his Roland Garros debut, 23-year-old Jacob Fearnley stunned 2015 French Open champion Stan Wawrinka with a straight-sets victory: 7–6(6), 6–3, 6–2. Despite the partisan crowd, Fearnley maintained composure, later quipping about the French chants, “They could have been saying anything, but I doubt it was positive.”

Emma Raducanu: Battling Through

Emma Raducanu showcased determination by overcoming illness to defeat Wang Xinyu 7–5, 4–6, 6–3. This hard-fought win sets up a challenging second-round match against defending champion Iga Swiatek. Raducanu, acknowledging Swiatek’s dominance, remains focused on her game plan for the upcoming clash.

Katie Boulter: Breaking New Ground

British No. 1 Katie Boulter secured a comeback victory against her first-round opponent, winning 6–7, 6–1, 6–1. This win reflects Boulter’s growing confidence on clay, a surface she has historically found challenging. Her next match against Australian Open champion Madison Keys will be a significant test of her progress.

Sonay Kartal: A Dominant Display

Sonay Kartal delivered an impressive performance, defeating Erika Andreeva 6–0, 6–2. This commanding win underscores Kartal’s potential and marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. With her next round opponent to be confirmed, nobody will be excited at the prospect of facing Kartal right now. 

Jodie Burrage: A Valiant Effort

Jodie Burrage faced a tough opponent in Danielle Collins and, despite a spirited performance, fell short. Her determination and effort, however, exemplify the fighting spirit prevalent among the British players this year. Still working her game out after injuries, Burrage will be proud to be back out on the court competing hard. 

Jack Draper: A Potential Winner?

Jack Draper continued his impressive run at Roland Garros with a gritty four-set victory over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, coming through 3–6, 6–1, 6–4, 6–2. After a slow start, Draper found his rhythm with a mix of heavy forehands and pinpoint serving, dominating the final three sets. The win pushes him deeper into the draw and puts him in serious contention for a place in the world’s top 4, with Taylor Fritz set to drop points after his early exit. Draper has quietly become one of the most dangerous players on tour — and while clay isn’t traditionally a favoured surface for the Brits, his recent performances suggest he has adapted brilliantly. With his powerful game and growing confidence, Draper is now considered a serious underdog contender not only for the title in Paris but also as a major threat for Wimbledon this summer, where the conditions suit his aggressive baseline game even more. His physicality, lefty variation, and growing match toughness are quickly turning him into a player nobody wants to see across the net.

A New Era for British Tennis on Clay

The early successes of British players at the 2025 French Open indicate a positive shift in their performance on clay courts. With a blend of experienced players and rising stars, British tennis is demonstrating adaptability and resilience. This newfound prowess on clay suggests a promising future and a potential redefinition of Britain’s legacy at the French Open. With 6 players moving on to round 2, this is the first time as many British players have advanced passed the 1^st round since 1973. It is also the first time since the start of the open era that 3 male players and 3 female players have won their first-round matches at Roland Garros. With British Tennis continuing on the up, it will be fascinating to see if the players above can capitalise on growing momentum and put a tournament run together to be remembered.