Emma Raducanu, the trailblazing 2021 US Open champion, stands on the brink of a spectacular comeback, with former world No. 1 Mats Wilander forecasting her return to the WTA top 10 within the next one to two years. The 22-year-old Brit, whose fairy-tale triumph four years ago captivated tennis fans worldwide, has rediscovered her spark in 2025, blending resilience with flashes of brilliance that have reignited hopes of her reclaiming a place among the sport’s elite. “We are looking at an Emma Raducanu that can break into the top 10 here in a year or two, in my eyes, and I’m pretty convinced that she will break into the best players in the world,” Wilander proclaimed, his optimism fueled by Raducanu’s recent battles against the game’s top stars. As she gears up for the 2025 US Open, Raducanu’s journey of overcoming adversity and refining her craft promises an exhilarating resurgence.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory remains a landmark in tennis history. At just 18, she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, storming through Flushing Meadows without dropping a set. Her victories over formidable opponents like Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari, capped by a dominant final against Leylah Fernandez, propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 10 in 2022. However, the path since has been fraught with obstacles. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, derailed her momentum, dropping her ranking beyond the top 300. Frequent coaching changes also fueled criticism, with some questioning her stability. Wilander, however, views these challenges as part of her growth. “I would say that it was mismanaged immediately after the US Open because I know the coach that she had at the time did not stay on for very long,” he observed, pointing to her current partnership with Francisco Roig as a turning point.
The 2025 season has showcased Raducanu’s revival. Her quarter-final run at the Miami Open, where she pushed world No. 5 Jessica Pegula to the edge, and a semi-final appearance at the Washington Open, where she outplayed top-20 talent, have seen her reclaim the British No. 1 spot from Katie Boulter. Now ranked No. 34 in the WTA live rankings, up from No. 89 earlier this year, Raducanu has notched wins over players like Daria Kasatkina on clay, proving her versatility. Even in defeat against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, she displayed the tenacity to challenge the best. “She’s not far behind the best in the women’s game,” Wilander emphasized, praising her newfound consistency and physical durability.
Yet, Wilander offered a measured perspective, noting that while a top 10 return is achievable, another Grand Slam title is a loftier challenge. “If we ask can she win another major? That’s another completely different question for another day,” he cautioned. Raducanu’s injury history, including wrist surgeries and a back issue during her 2025 Strasbourg Open loss to Danielle Collins, highlights the physical toll of elite competition. Still, her mental toughness and tactical evolution shine through. Working with Roig, a former coach to Rafael Nadal, she has refined her aggressive style with sharper decision-making. Her straight-sets victory over Ena Shibahara at the 2025 US Open, her first win at Flushing Meadows since her title, has bolstered her confidence for a potential deep run.
Raducanu’s story is one of maturation under pressure. From her 2021 Wimbledon wildcard debut to her current campaign, she has shouldered immense expectations and navigated public scrutiny. Now, with a stable coaching team and a healthier physique, she is climbing the rankings with purpose. As she prepares for the China Open in Beijing, starting September 24, 2025, Raducanu carries the aspirations of a nation and the endorsement of a tennis icon like Wilander. With her sights set on the top 20 by year’s end, she is on track to reclaim her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars.
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