Sport Discussed

By Ben Phillips

British tennis has historically struggled to make meaningful inroads on the red clay of Roland Garros. The slower surface, demanding long rallies, adaptability, and movement unlike any other court in tennis, has long been seen as the Achilles heel of British players. But this year, in 2025, something feels different. A wave of optimism is sweeping through British tennis, and for good reason: six British players reached the second round of the French Open for the first time since 1973, and for the first time in the Open Era, two British men have reached the fourth round. That shift is not just symbolic—it’s historic.

A Historic Milestone    

The last time Britain saw such success at Roland Garros was over five decades ago. In 1973, six British players reached the second round, a milestone that has stood ever since—until now. In 2025, the same feat has been matched, but with the added weight of context: the modern game is more global, more competitive, and arguably more demanding than ever before. That Britain can now field such a depth of talent, not only making it past the first hurdle but doing so against seasoned opponents on clay, is a powerful sign of change.

Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper are at the heart of this resurgence. Their run to the fourth round has already made history. The last time two British men were in the last 16 of the French Open was 1963, before the Open Era even began in 1968. This makes 2025 the first time since the inception of professional tennis that two British men have been among the final 16 at Roland Garros. For a nation that has often dismissed clay as a surface ill-suited to its athletes, that is monumental.

The Young Guns Lead the Charge

Just as significant as these immediate results is the promise of sustained success. Britain now boasts a generation of younger players who seem increasingly comfortable on clay—and crucially, unafraid of it. Emma Raducanu, still only 22, is leading the women’s charge. Her first-round win over Wang Xinyu was all the more impressive considering she was battling illness. That resilience and court-craft bode well not just for this tournament but for a decade to come.

Sonay Kartal’s rise has been another bright spot. Her emphatic 6-0 6-2 win over Erika Andreeva was a display of aggression and court control seldom seen from British players on clay. At 22, Kartal has already shown she has the mental and tactical tools to thrive on this surface.

Then there’s Jack Draper. His four-set win over Mattia Bellucci showcased not only his raw power and athleticism but a developing patience and tactical maturity suited to clay. With his recent title in Indian Wells and now a deep run in Paris, he has proven that he is not just a flash-in-the-pan talent but a legitimate threat on multiple surfaces. As Taylor Fritz drops out of the rankings, Draper is poised to crack the world’s top four—an extraordinary rise that underscores the depth of British talent in the men’s game. With a favourable match-up against Alexander Bublik coming up next, there’s no reason why the young Brit can’t make his way into the quarter-finals, where he would likely face the world number 1, Jannik Sinner.  

A Cultural Shift

British tennis has long faced criticism for its underperformance on clay. From underinvestment in clay-court facilities to a lack of exposure to the surface during junior development, the obstacles have been structural as much as psychological. But those tides are turning. Investment in new clay training centres, exposure to European junior tournaments, and a mental re-framing of clay from an obstacle to an opportunity have all contributed to this year’s success.

Moreover, the notion that British tennis is only viable on grass is being challenged. The current generation seems less burdened by past narratives. They’re more international in their training methods and more exposed to various playing styles. They’ve grown up watching the likes of Rafael Nadal dominate Roland Garros and, rather than fear the clay, they’ve learned to admire and adapt to it.

Context and Opportunity

The significance of British success in Paris is magnified by the scarcity of such moments in history. The only British player to win the French Open in the Open Era is Sue Barker in 1976. Andy Murray came close with his run to the final in 2016 but was ultimately stopped by Novak Djokovic. The clay-court slam has always felt just out of reach.

Now, with the likes of Norrie and Draper thriving, and younger stars like Raducanu and Kartal building their credentials, that barrier no longer feels insurmountable. This is not to say that a British champion in Paris is imminent, but the groundwork is being laid. And when you consider the longevity of modern players, thanks to advancements in sports science, nutrition, and recovery, these players could be competitive at Roland Garros for the next 10 years.

Looking Forward

British tennis fans have long had to temper expectations when the tour turns to clay. But 2025 might just be the year that changes the narrative for good. With record-setting numbers, historic milestones, and a new generation of players showing they belong on the red dirt, British tennis has taken a significant step forward.

This year’s Roland Garros is more than just a successful fortnight. It’s a glimpse into a future where Britain no longer sees clay as a graveyard for its tennis hopes but as fertile ground for growth, evolution, and perhaps, one day soon, glory.