Iga Swiatek reaffirmed her dominance on clay with a commanding 6–1, 6–2 victory over Emma Raducanu in the second round of the French Open. The world number one needed just over an hour on Court Philippe-Chatrier to book her place in the third round and extend her unbeaten streak at Roland Garros to 23 matches.
Some expected a potential test for Swiatek coming into the match. Raducanu had shown promising form in the first round and arrived in Paris relatively fresh after a measured start to her clay-court season. But after a competitive opening few games, the match quickly fell into familiar territory for the defending champion.
Raducanu held her ground early with some sharp baseline exchanges, but once Swiatek settled, the difference in consistency and firepower became clear. The Pole stepped inside the court, took time away from Raducanu, and reeled off a string of winners that left the Briton scrambling. Two early breaks gave Swiatek complete control of the opening set, which she closed in 28 minutes.
Raducanu showed more resistance at the start of the second. She earned three break points in the longest game of the match after Swiatek hit back-to-back double faults. But the Briton could not capitalise. Swiatek held firm, saving all three chances with measured aggression and clean first serves. The missed opportunity signalled the beginning of the end for Raducanu.
From there, Swiatek shifted gears again. She broke serve once more and cruised to the finish line with the same ruthless efficiency that has defined her clay-court dominance. Swiatek finished with 26 winners to Raducanu’s 7 and won over 60 percent of points on return.
For Raducanu, this was her fifth straight set loss to Swiatek, and the gap between her and the game’s elite was on full display. After the match, she offered an honest assessment of her performance.
“Every time we play, she raises her level,” Raducanu said. “It shows how far I still have to go. But I’m taking the positives from this week. Playing on this court is something I’ll learn from.”
While the result may sting, Raducanu’s campaign in Paris still marked progress. This was her first French Open appearance since 2022 and only her second main draw win at Roland Garros. She has spoken openly about her long-term focus and acknowledged the psychological weight of facing Swiatek on her home surface.
Meanwhile, Swiatek continues pursuing a fourth consecutive French Open title. She will face either Linda Noskova or Elise Mertens in the third round and remains the clear favourite in the women’s draw.
Raducanu now turns her attention to the grass season, with scheduled appearances in Berlin and Eastbourne before Wimbledon. The transition to a surface where she feels more comfortable may offer a better platform for momentum.
But in Paris, on clay, it remains Swiatek’s world. And on Thursday, she reminded everyone why.