Less is more for Emma Raducanu ahead of return in Madrid

MADRID – Emma Raducanu will return to action at this week’s Madrid Open after a mid-season break, and the former US Open champion said she is benefiting from a more focused approach to the season.

The 22-year-old Briton pulled out of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers to rest following a run to the quarter-finals in Miami, where she needed medical attention during her defeat by eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.

Having opted for a training block instead, Raducanu is raring to go in the Spanish capital, where she kicks off her campaign against Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens on April 23.

“I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes,” she told Sky Sports. “I work really intense and really hard and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes.

“It’s just making sure when I’m on the court, I’m maxing out for X amount of time so I can focus, and then once I’m done, I’m switching off better.

“You hear a lot that people need matches and I say the same thing. Matches definitely help, but there’s a time and a place.

“There are other times where you need to reset and get your bearings, because the season is very long.”

Raducanu’s break involved working with former player Mark Petchey, continuing an informal arrangement after employing a number of coaches with little success amid form and fitness issues.

“It’s pretty informal for now, but is something that’s going really well,” she added.

“I’m still figuring things out – what works for me, what doesn’t. What gets the best out of me.

“For now, I’m not getting as technical as I used to, maybe.”

Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev is looking for more after celebrating his 28th birthday on April 20 by winning the Munich Open.

Dressed in traditional Bavarian leather pants, the German lifted the trophy in front of an adoring home crowd that serenaded him with a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday.

The title marked his 24th career win and ended a frustrating run of early exits that had marred the start of his 2025 season.

Zverev’s struggles included a humbling loss to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final, followed by a string of disappointing performances that left him questioning his form.

“For several months, I’ve tried to understand, but I haven’t got a clue what’s wrong,” he admitted.

“It has been a hard time for me.”

His Munich win not only brought him a long-awaited title but also pushed him up to world No. 2 in the rankings.

He now holds a narrow 35-point edge over Carlos Alcaraz, who lost the final in Barcelona to Holger Rune.

Looking ahead to the clay-court season in Madrid and Rome before the French Open starts in late May, Zverev added: “I don’t want to talk about the past months, that’s behind me.

“I want to carry the emotions from Munich into the next weeks.” REUTERS, XINHUA