“I have improved a bit since Miami, and it’s nice to be able to relax, and then when I go on to the court, I feel switched on,” British star and 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu is high on confidence this week and why not? She’s delivered top-notch performance in last one month. At the Miami Open, she looked in great touch and made it to the quarterfinal stage. And now in Madrid, the World No. 49 has kicked off her campaign on a winning note. But the journey has only begun. Raducanu will look to extend it further when she steps on the clay court in Madrid, on Friday, against a formidable opponent, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Emma Raducanu v Marta Kostyuk: Preview

Emma Raducanu’s overall 2025 season, in a nutshell, has been disappointing. Back in January, she made it to the third round of the Happy Slam, but former World No.1 Iga Swiatek ended her campaign with a breadstick and a bagel (6-1, 6-0). After that, Raducanu’s form went from poor to worse in subsequent tournaments. At the Singapore Open, Abu Dhabi Open, Qatar Open, and Dubai Tennis Championships, the Brit crashed out in R32, R32, R64, and R32, respectively. In Indian Wells, too, a similar fate awaited her. Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima edged her out in R128 with a score line of 6-3, 6-2.

However, Raducanu finally managed to shine in the second event of the Sunshine Double – the Miami Open. She went on to reach the last eight before losing against American Jessica Pegula. The latter won the encounter, but it was not one-sided. Raducanu posed a tough challenge and took the second set after Pegula won the first one. Only in a decider, Pegula was able to win. Since then, Raducanu has continued her winning momentum.

This week in Madrid, she began the campaign with a straight-set win over Dutch player Suzan Lamens.

Speaking of her opponent, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk’s 2025 journey has been sluggish so far. Back in January, she was ousted in R32 of the Brisbane International before facing a similar fate in Adelaide. In the Australian Open, the 22-year-old did enter the third round but failed to go beyond. Spain’s Paula Badosa edged her out with a score line of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Kostyuk then improved on her performance in the next event. At the Qatar Open, she succeeded in reaching the QF round before losing to eventual winner Amanda Anisimova. In the next three appearances, however, Kostyuk couldn’t leave a strong impression. At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Merida Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open, she crashed out in R32, R32, R16, and then R16 again.

Raducanu v Kostyuk: Head-to-Head

Both players have met twice in WTA events so far. Currently, the h2h tally is tied at 1-1. When they faced each other last time, it was three years ago, at the Madrid Open. Back then, Raducanu emerged victorious.

• 2022 Madrid Open R32: Raducanu 6-2, 6-1
• 2021 Cluj-Napoca QF: Kostyuk 6-2, 6-1

Prediction: Emma Raducanu to win in three sets

In terms of singles stats, Marta Kostyuk is slightly ahead of Emma Raducanu. She’s won 10 of her 18 matches this season compared to the Brit’s 4-7. But what about their event history?

Raducanu has played two editions of the Madrid Open. In 2022, she reached the R16 before losing to Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina. Then last season, she was ousted in the first round itself. Argentina’s Maria Lourdes Carle beat her in straight sets.

On the other hand, Kostyuk has played more campaigns on the clay court in this WTA 1000 tournament. Speaking of her last three appearances (2022, 2023, and 2024), the Ukrainian couldn’t impress at all. She was ousted in R32, R64, and then R64 again.

Coming onto their playing styles, Raducanu possesses a powerful backhand alongside an impactful serve. Her aggressive approach to covering the court helps in building pressure on opponents. Not to mention the backhand that she generally uses to take the ball early and hit it down the line. The Brit’s got a solid forehand as well in her arsenal.

On the other hand, Kostyuk’s known for her hard-hitting baseline game. Plus, her tactical skills are crucial, too, in elevating the performance. Similar to Raducanu, she can also cover the court with ease between the baseline and the net. The Ukrainian can also hit amazing volleys to earn crucial points and dominate her rivals.

While Kostyuk’s overall stats this season outplay Raducanu, only slightly, the Brit looks to be in the best form right now. Not to forget, she won her last face-off against Kostyuk back in 2022. And it was at the Madrid Open only. On Friday, the Ukrainian may pose a tough challenge, but Emma Raducanu is expected to overcome that and win the R64 in three sets.