Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation, continues to captivate the tennis world as she navigates her path back to elite form following her historic 2021 US Open triumph. At the National Bank Open in Toronto on July 31, 2025, former world No. 3 and 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion Pam Shriver offered a bold prediction about Raducanu’s future, declaring, “I’m not going to say Emma Raducanu can’t do it again.” Shriver’s confidence stems from Raducanu’s proven ability to conquer a major, a feat she achieved as an 18-year-old qualifier, and her recent resurgence in 2025, which has reignited hopes of another Grand Slam breakthrough. As Raducanu prepares to face Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova in Toronto’s third round, her journey reflects a blend of resilience, talent, and untapped potential.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was nothing short of miraculous. Ranked world No. 150, she stormed through three qualifying matches and seven main-draw contests without dropping a set, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final to become the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam. “If you can come out of qualifying and win ten straight matches in straight sets, I’m not going to say she can’t do it again,” Shriver emphasized, highlighting the mental fortitude that propelled Raducanu to history. Yet, the years since have been challenging. Injuries to her wrists, ankle, and foot, coupled with frequent coaching changes, saw her ranking plummet to No. 165 a year ago. Critics questioned whether her US Open run was a fluke, but Shriver counters, “When you know that somebody’s had the mindset to do it once, you always think sure, they can do it again.”
The 2025 season has marked a turning point. Now ranked No. 33, Raducanu reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal at the Miami Open and delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win over Peyton Stearns in Toronto, converting four of ten break points and firing six aces. “She’s kind of step by step getting better in her game, figuring out how to stay healthy,” Shriver noted, praising Raducanu’s clarity in constructing points despite past coaching turnover. Her recent performances, including a semifinal run at the Washington Open, suggest a player rediscovering her rhythm. Shriver’s vision for women’s tennis hinges on stars like Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, and Bianca Andreescu—past US Open champions—returning to their peak. “Women’s tennis would be so much better if Andreescu, if Raducanu, if Osaka… can be a part of the conversation,” she said, imagining the excitement of their resurgence.
Raducanu’s challenges remain. She has yet to win a main-draw match at the US Open since 2021, and losses to top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek at 2025 Grand Slams highlight the gap to the elite. Her injury history, including a recent foot ligament sprain that forced withdrawals from the China and Hong Kong Opens, underscores the need for physical consistency. “Talking about someone who needs to figure out how to stay healthy, it’s Raducanu,” Shriver acknowledged. Yet, her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness, evident in her 6-3, 6-3 Wimbledon win over Marketa Vondrousova, suggest she’s not far from contending. “There are some points I had no idea how I turned around,” Raducanu said after that match, a glimpse of the belief that fueled her 2021 heroics.
As Raducanu eyes a seeded spot at the US Open, starting August 24, 2025, her partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event adds intrigue. Shriver’s faith in her draws from a simple truth: Raducanu has already defied the odds. Whether she can harness that magic again depends on health, focus, and the fearless mindset that once made history. For now, her steady climb and Shriver’s endorsement keep the tennis world watching, hopeful that the Brit’s next Grand Slam chapter is just around the corner.
Leave a Reply