At just 22, Emma Raducanu has already etched her name into tennis history as the 2021 US Open champion, a feat that saw her become the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era. Her meteoric rise at 18, defeating Leylah Fernandez in a thrilling all-teen final, captivated the world and ended Britain’s 44-year wait for a women’s Grand Slam singles champion. Yet, the years since have been a rollercoaster of injuries, inconsistent results, and intense scrutiny. Despite these challenges, former US Open finalist Pam Shriver believes Raducanu possesses the mental fortitude to reclaim Grand Slam glory, asserting that her proven ability to conquer a Major once makes her a perennial contender for another.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph was nothing short of miraculous. Entering as a world No. 150 qualifier, she stormed through 10 matches without dropping a set, toppling formidable opponents like Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari en route to the title. “She played an almost perfect performance in her first Grand Slam final,” said former British No. 1 Laura Robson, reflecting on Raducanu’s composure under pressure. The victory, sealed with a 109-mph ace against Fernandez, propelled her to No. 23 in the rankings and earned her accolades from figures like Queen Elizabeth II. However, the aftermath brought challenges few could have anticipated. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, sidelined her for significant periods, while frequent coaching changes—parting ways with Andrew Richardson, Nick Cavaday, and others—drew criticism for her unorthodox approach.
Despite these setbacks, Shriver remains optimistic about Raducanu’s potential. “If you just took her resume, take that US Open out, you would probably say no, she’s not going to win one,” Shriver noted on Talking Tennis. “But when you know that somebody’s had the mindset to do it once, you always think sure, they can do it again.” This belief hinges on Raducanu’s demonstrated ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages, a rare quality that separates champions from contenders. Her 2025 season, while not yet yielding a title, shows signs of resurgence. With a 23-15 record and a career-high ranking of No. 10 in 2022, Raducanu has climbed back to No. 33, buoyed by improved physical health and strategic tweaks to her game.
Raducanu’s recent performances underscore her potential. At the 2025 Washington Open, she reached her first semi-final since the 2022 US Open, defeating Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari before falling to Anna Kalinskaya, 6-4, 6-3. “I’m really cherishing every single [win] because I know how difficult it is to be on the flip side of it,” Raducanu said, reflecting her newfound appreciation for each victory. Her 2025 campaign also included third-round appearances at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, where she beat Marketa Vondrousova in a straight-sets upset, showcasing her ability to compete with top players. A second-round exit at the French Open to Iga Swiatek highlighted areas for improvement, particularly on clay, but her aggressive baseline play and enhanced fitness suggest a player rediscovering her spark.
The road to another Major won’t be easy. Raducanu’s 3-13 record against top-10 players and a single WTA title—the 2021 US Open—have led some to label her a “one-tournament wonder.” Yet, her recent stability, including a training block with coach Mark Petchey to refine her serve, points to a maturing approach. “Staying patient and trying not to rush back is the biggest lesson I took,” Raducanu said of her recovery from injuries. Her goal for 2025 is clear: play more tournaments, stay healthy, and target a top-10 return. Last year, she boldly declared, “I’m going to win Wimbledon one day,” a statement that reflects her unwavering self-belief.
As Raducanu prepares for the North American hard-court swing, including the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, the tennis world watches closely. A favorable draw at Flushing Meadows, where she made history, could reignite her magic. Shriver’s confidence in Raducanu’s mental resilience, combined with her improving form, paints a hopeful picture. At 22, with her physical challenges largely behind her, Raducanu stands at a crossroads. If she can harness the fearless mindset that carried her to the 2021 US Open title, another Grand Slam triumph is not just possible—it’s within reach.
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