Former British number one Annabel Croft has highlighted a “cold” atmosphere surrounding Emma Raducanu following the Briton’s exit from the French Open. Croft, speaking to the BBC, observed a noticeable lack of warmth between Emma Raducanu and world number one Iga Swiatek during their second-round encounter at Roland Garros.
The 2021 US Open champion struggled to find her footing on Court Philippe-Chatrier, suffering a 6-1, 6-2 defeat at the hands of the defending champion.
The observation came after a match where Emma Raducanu won just three games against the Polish star. Croft noted that the post-match exchange lacked the typical professional camaraderie often seen on the WTA Tour. “That was quite a cold handshake,” Annabel Croft remarked during the broadcast. “There was no warmth there between the two players.
It was quite dismissive, almost just a handshake and then a walk off. Once Iga Swiatek got a breakthrough in this match, she just stamped her authority on it.”
This “humbling” loss adds to a difficult 2026 season for Emma Raducanu, who has been working to regain the form that saw her triumph in New York. While she has shown flashes of brilliance, including a final appearance at the Transylvania Open where she defeated Greet Minnen and Kaja Juvan, consistency remains elusive.
Her struggle for rhythm is a frequent topic in latest sport news updates, as she balances recovery from illness with a demanding tour schedule.
Pressure mounts as grass court season begins at Queen’s
The transition from the clay of Paris to the grass courts of London brings immediate scrutiny. Emma Raducanu is scheduled to open her campaign at the Queen’s Club Championships on Tuesday, June 9, facing Anna Blinkova.
The Russian player, who navigated two qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, poses a significant threat given her recent history of reaching three grass-court quarter-finals. For Emma Raducanu, currently ranked 46th in the live WTA standings, the match is a vital chance to pivot her season.
Croft suggested that the tour has become increasingly “cutthroat,” with rising talents like Victoria Mboko and Iva Jovic challenging the established order. The physical and mental demands of the professional circuit are relentless, much like the high-stakes environment where Olympic officials bar transgender athletes to ensure fair competition.
Emma Raducanu must now find a way to move forward or risk sliding down the rankings, where she currently holds 1,134 points.
The return of coach Andrew Richardson, who was in her corner for the US Open victory, has yet to yield a match win this year. Croft pointed out that the frequent “chopping and changing” of coaching staff may have hindered the Briton’s ability to build a stable support system.
In the modern game, many rivals employ extensive teams including nutritionists and data analysts to gain an edge. Without that continuity, Croft fears Emma Raducanu may find it difficult to keep pace with the tour’s rapid evolution.
Emma Raducanu 2026 Season Statistics
- Overall Record: 7-9
- First Serve Percentage (Paris): 58%
- Aces vs Double Faults (Paris): 3 / 5
- Current World Ranking: 46
Success at the Queen’s Club Championships would be the ideal response to the “lower levels” Croft witnessed in recent matches. Emma Raducanu remains a “big match player” who thrives on large stages, and the home support in London typically provides a significant boost.
As she prepares to face Anna Blinkova on Centre Court, the focus will be on whether she can rediscover the fluid movement and “neat and tidy” style that defined her early career success.
