French Open 2025: Emma Raducanu ‘overcomes needle phobia’ to boost fitness

Posted by Jonathan Jurejko | 7 hours ago | Sport | Views: 13


Kartal is making her French Open main-draw debut after a sharp rise over the past year.

Twelve months ago, she was ranked 278th, having recovered from an unspecified illness which prompted fears over her career, and then picked up an injury on her return to court.

Now Kartal is on the verge of the top 50, although the chance to accumulate significant ranking points at Roland Garros could be hampered by a potential second-round match against 2022 runner-up Coco Gauff.

“I love the clay, I grew up playing on it,” said Kartal, who opens up against Russia’s Erika Andreeva. “For me, I feel comfortable on these courts. I think they suit me really well.”

The trio are joined in the women’s singles by British number seven Jodie Burrage, who is making her main-draw debut using a protected ranking.

The 25-year-old missed the tournament last year after rupturing an ankle ligament chasing down a drop-shot in practice.

Burrage said receiving a photo reminder on her phone this week, which showed her wearing a protective boot, has provided a timely boost before a tough test against American former world number seven Danielle Collins.

“I needed that reminder – I didn’t have an amazing practice yesterday but then I was reminded that I was sat on my couch with my foot in a boot on crutches this time last year,” she said on Saturday.



BBC Sport

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