Emma Raducanu is demonstrating signs of improvement in 2024 after facing significant challenges over the past two years. Her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open marked a turning point in her career, bringing intense media scrutiny and sponsorship pressure that she has struggled to manage since. Adjusting to her newfound status has not been easy, and a series of poor decisions have hindered her progress.
Injuries and frequent coaching changes have further complicated her journey, preventing Raducanu from achieving the stability needed to focus solely on her tennis. Despite these setbacks, the young British player remains optimistic about her future. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 10 in the summer of 2022, buoyed by her US Open points, and has had a solid season in 2024, defeating several top players. However, injury interruptions have limited her participation to just 13 official events this year.
Looking ahead, Raducanu plans to dedicate her pre-season to physical conditioning, aiming to start 2025 in peak form. The Australian Open will serve as a critical test for her, as she has proven capable on hard courts and possesses the skills to achieve a strong showing in Melbourne.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former ATP star Tim Henman emphasized Raducanu’s need for physical resilience. He compared her situation to fellow British player Katie Boulter, who has improved her game and maintained a rigorous tournament schedule, culminating in a successful finish to her season. Henman noted, “Raducanu has had a decent year, moving from around 300 to the top 60, but she hasn’t played a lot. If she builds up that resilience, she can realistically aim for the top 50 or even top 30 in 2025.”
Raducanu will kick off her 2025 season in Auckland, New Zealand, before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open. The early part of the season will be crucial for her confidence and ambitions as she seeks to establish herself among the elite in women’s tennis.
Despite skepticism regarding her 2021 US Open victory, many believe Raducanu has yet to reach her full potential. Her presence is vital for the WTA tour, which is eager for new champions alongside stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
In 2024, Raducanu recorded 20 wins against 13 losses. Reflecting on her season, she stated, “I know I’m a dangerous player. I take pride in that, and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year.” She also expressed optimism about her performance in Seoul before an injury sidelined her. “I think I was playing some good tennis again… I just took the time and used it in a really proactive and productive way. I feel like everything happens for a reason,” Raducanu concluded, highlighting her commitment to continuous improvement as she prepares for the upcoming season.
Related topics
- Federer’s Ex-Coach Analyzes Alcaraz’s Drop
- Benneteau: Djokovic Sends Message to Rivals
- Ex-French Open Champ on Nadal’s RG Success
