Emma Raducanu faces a daunting path at the French Open after Thursday's draw revealed she will meet China's Wang Xinyu in the first round, with three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek potentially waiting in the second round.
The 2021 US Open champion, who has enjoyed a solid clay-court season reaching the Round of 16 in Rome and quarter-finals in Miami, now sees her optimism tempered by this challenging draw.
Wang, a 23-year-old who defeated top-ten players Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula last year and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, represents a significant first hurdle for the British player.
Raducanu suffered an injury scare just days before the tournament, taking a medical timeout during her defeat to Danielle Collins in Strasbourg on Wednesday after experiencing a back spasm.
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper have tough paths in the French Open
Reuters
Despite this setback, the 22-year-old will compete at Roland Garros, with reports indicating the pain has eased.
The British player was already en route to Paris as Thursday's draw took place, according to the Daily Mail.
While securing a manageable first-round opponent represents good news for Raducanu, the potential second-round clash with Swiatek presents an enormous challenge, despite the Polish star's recent struggles with form.
Raducanu has history with Wang, having lost their only previous encounter in a three-set thriller in Linz back in 2021 when Raducanu was the top seed.
Should she progress past Wang, Raducanu would likely face Swiatek, who will open her campaign against Rebecca Sramkova.
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The potential matchup brings back difficult memories for Raducanu, who was comprehensively beaten 6-0, 6-1 when the pair last met in the third round of the Australian Open in January.
Swiatek, who has dropped to fifth in the world rankings, is seeking her fourth consecutive French Open title, though she comes into the tournament without having won any tournaments this year.
British men's number one Jack Draper will face Italy's Mattia Bellucci in his opening match, with a potential quarter-final against world number one Jannik Sinner if both progress.
British number one Katie Boulter starts against a qualifier as she seeks her first Roland Garros main-draw win, having warmed up by winning a WTA 125 title in Paris last week.
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Emma Raducanu could face Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open
Reuters
Cameron Norrie has been drawn against Daniil Medvedev, who recently defeated him in Rome.
Jacob Fearnley, making his French Open debut, will play 40-year-old three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka.
Sonay Kartal faces Erika Andreeva, while Jodie Burrage meets Danielle Collins, who recently defeated Raducanu in Strasbourg.
