Emma Raducanu has revealed that she has no toenails, as she begins her first clay court season on the tour in the build up to the French Open.
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Raducanu is set to play her first professional match on clay, during the Billie Jean Cup on Friday, having not played on the surface in nearly four years.
The 19-year-old will be part of Britain's team as they take on the Czech Republic in Prague, before continuing her preparations for the second grand slam event of the year.
And the US Open champion has revealed that her intense training for the clay court tournaments has left her with the bizarre ailment of having no toenails.
Asked how her body was holding up following recent hip trouble, the British number one said, "It’s okay – but I’ve no toenails now!
"It’s my foot and my shoes, they’ve been sliding around a lot. I had a small niggle in Miami but now I have no physical thing."
GB captain Anne Keothavong backed up the admission from her top hope of winning the tie, adding, "We’ve all been left a little scarred by the sight of Emma’s toes this week!"
Speaking ahead of playing on the surface for the first time in her professional career, the world number 12 said, "This is going to be my first professional match on clay so I’m definitely learning.
"I feel this could be one of my strongest surfaces going forward. But of course its early days right now.
"I actually played a club league in the Czech Republic in Pilsen when I was 11 years old and had a fun time. It was one of my first trips abroad so I really enjoyed it.
Emma Raducanu vs Tereza Martincova warming up at the Billie Jean King Cup in Prague now, live on the BBC Red Button 🔴, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport at https://t.co/AIoHYFQI55 pic.twitter.com/jn0UXIWHll
— Tennis on telly 🎾📺🇬🇧 (@tennisontelly) April 15, 2022
"I did spend a few weeks on clay in the summer but I do like sliding, and once I time it right and spend more time on it then I’m sure this could be a really good surface for me.
"So, after spending more time on this surface, I’m sure I’ll time it better. I feel I can really use it and play aggressively whilst also being able to move.”
Britain don't actually necessarily need to win their Billie Jean King Cup match to qualify for the finals, as the final could be hosted on these shores, where they'd then get through as host.
