Emma Raducanu will make her professional clay debut in the Billie Jean King Qualifiers against the Czech Republic, and so far it's been a bit tricky for the Brit.
Brits don't do well on clay traditionally but Emma Raducanu is keen to change that perception as she gears up to represent her nation against the Czech Republic. Raducanu will spearhead the British team against the Czechs with Harriet Dart, Sonay Kartal, and others providing support.
Speaking ahead of the clash Raducanu shared her thoughts on playing on the clay courts, as it's quite a new experience for the Brit who recently played at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
"I have no toenails. Just my foot, my shoes, they’ve just been sliding around a lot."
Raducanu was clearly joking, but it seemed to be an inside joke by the British team as team captain Anne Keothavong got in on the joke, explaining how the team is scarred by the sight of her nails.
Most of the tennis community will be watching closely how Raducanu does on a surface that is not very familiar to her. It doesn't help that all the players from the Czech Republic are very well-versed on the surface, making the challenge even harder. Raducanu herself is not worried, saying:
"I genuinely believe that clay could be one of my strongest surfaces because [of] the moving aspect. I do like moving … because I feel like I have a lot more potential physically. And I do enjoy sliding. After spending more time on this surface I’m sure I’ll time it better and learn more about the surface, but also just the time that clay brings."
Raducanu is hopeful of propelling her nation to the Finals, but it's going to be very tough, and she will need to win both of her matches to make it a reality.
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