INSIDE TENNIS: Can Jack Draper become an all-surface threat? Will Emma Raducanu settle on a coach? Five key questions for the clay court season

The clay court season on the tennis tour commences with the prestigious Monte Carlo Country Club tournament. As the tour transitions to the red dirt, several compelling narratives are set to unfold. Here are five key questions as the tennis world shifts its focus to clay.

Can Jack Draper Emerge as a Threat on All Surfaces?

Last season, the image of Jack Draper dejected in his chair following a disappointing first-round exit at Roland Garros remains vivid. Despite a strong performance from Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong, then ranked No. 176 globally, Draper epitomized the struggles of a British player on clay – appearing uncomfortable and bewildered by the surface.

Currently ranked No. 6 in the world, Draper’s win rate on clay stands at 45%, contrasting with 65% on hard courts and 68% on grass. However, there’s substantial potential for him to develop into a formidable competitor on this surface. Inspired by Rafael Nadal, a renowned clay court specialist, Draper, in his youth, emulated the Spaniard’s style. Similarities in their forehand technique are evident.

To excel further on clay, enhancing the height on his backhand and intensifying his focus on the kick serve are crucial. The upcoming months present an opportunity for Draper to demonstrate his capability across all court types.

His dominant victory over Marcos Giron in his opening match at Monte Carlo this Tuesday provides an ideal commencement to this endeavor.

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Will Emma Raducanu Finally Find Stability with a New Coach?

Emma Raducanu is currently maintaining a low profile. After withdrawing from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team for their qualifiers in the Netherlands, it is understood she is training away from the National Tennis Centre, seeking privacy.

This year has been eventful for the prominent British player. Following a stalking incident and a subsequent string of poor results – six losses in seven matches – Raducanu achieved her best tournament performance since her 2021 US Open triumph, reaching the quarter-finals in Miami and narrowly losing to Jessica Pegula.

Crucially, having overcome a back spasm in the pre-season, she has maintained fitness and competed in seven consecutive events. This consistency is a testament to her fitness regimen with trainer Yutaka Nakamura.

However, the absence of a permanent coach remains a significant gap in her setup. Securing a coach before her next tournament is imperative. While she values advice from former junior coaches, as seen in Miami, this approach is unsustainable. Appointing a coach and committing to that partnership, at least until Wimbledon, is now essential.

How Will Jannik Sinner’s Return Impact the Tour?

Jannik Sinner’s absence, due to suspension, presented an opening for other top players to assert dominance, but they largely faltered. Carlos Alcaraz secured a win in Rotterdam against a relatively weak field but achieved little else. Alexander Zverev has underperformed, and Novak Djokovic, despite regaining form in Miami, could not secure victory. Instead, emerging talents like Draper and Jakub Mensik have capitalized in the initial two Masters events of the year.

Will Sinner’s return motivate Zverev and Alcaraz? Or will the Italian extend his hard-court dominance to clay and grass? It is plausible that Sinner utilized his enforced hiatus to refine his game on his less favored surfaces.

The timing of his three-month ban concluding just before the Italian Open in Rome appeared opportune. If he returns with an enhanced skillset, he could further outpace his underperforming rivals.

Can Iga Swiatek’s Dominance Be Challenged?

Iga Swiatek’s extensive 700-word statement, responding to criticism for an incident involving a ball boy, suggested a player under pressure. She expressed feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka. While Swiatek has shown glimpses of strong tennis this year, she remains without a title since last year’s Roland Garros.

Last year, she initiated a remarkable streak of 26 wins in 28 matches on clay, and it’s anticipated that her return to her preferred surface will restore her composure. However, with Sabalenka’s consistent performance and the emergence of Mirra Andreeva, Swiatek’s dominance during the European spring is not guaranteed.

Should her current form persist on clay, concerns among Swiatek’s supporters would be valid.

Will British Players Achieve Success on Clay This Season?

Historically, the commencement of the clay court season has often coincided with a downturn in form for British tennis players, mirroring a form of hibernation. Last year, the seven British male and female players competing in tour-level clay court events amassed a combined record of just 11 wins and 29 losses. None progressed beyond a quarter-final, and at the French Open, all six entrants were eliminated in the first round.

Will the recurring narrative of British players’ struggles on clay courts resurface by mid-first week at Roland Garros? As previously noted, Draper has the potential to defy this trend. However, prospects elsewhere appear limited. Raducanu’s performance remains unpredictable, Katie Boulter is currently out of form and lacks extensive experience on clay, and Jacob Fearnley is yet to compete on this surface professionally.

Sonay Kartal is a potential surprise. Competing for Great Britain this week in the Hague, her defensive, topspin-oriented style could be well-suited to clay courts.

Grand Slam Champion Joins Rublev’s Coaching Team

Marat Safin’s return to tennis is a welcome development. A captivating figure in the sport, the two-time Grand Slam champion and former Russian politician has become part of Andrey Rublev’s coaching team.

Rublev is known for struggling with emotional control on court. Safin, who estimates destroying between 700 and 1,000 rackets during his career, is uniquely positioned to understand and guide Rublev in this area.

Rublev is a charismatic player, and Safin remains a notable presence. Rublev has expressed his desire for a long-term partnership—a promising prospect.

Monte Carlo Masters: A Return to the One-Week Format

The Monte Carlo Masters event, with its one-week duration, is a refreshing format. As tournaments increasingly extend to ten days or more, it’s valuable to experience a high-level event with condensed schedules and full stadiums again.

While extended Masters events may generate more revenue for tournaments and tours, they detract from the fan experience, offering fewer matches daily. Players also generally prefer a one-week format, allowing for proper rest, training, or participation in other events during the additional week.

Grand Slams should remain two weeks—avoiding 15-day formats—while all other events should ideally be one week. Simplicity is key.

Player Spotlight

Arthur Fils

The 20-year-old French player Arthur Fils has modelled his game after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, displaying similar explosive energy and flair. Currently ranked No. 15 globally, Fils is expected to remain the French No. 1 at Roland Garros, bringing significant attention and pressure.