Emma Raducanu’s 2024 tennis season has been a whirlwind of highs and lows, reflecting the broader challenges she’s faced since her stunning 2021 US Open victory. Her performances on grass earlier this year offered glimpses of the immense talent that first propelled her to stardom, but persistent injuries have overshadowed much of her progress, leading to questions about her consistency and resilience. As she navigates this difficult phase of her career, a mix of critics and supporters have weighed in on what lies ahead for the young British star.
The grass-court season, a crucial period for Raducanu, began with promise. She made deep runs in Nottingham and Eastbourne, showcasing a more aggressive playing style that had been missing in recent seasons. Her efforts culminated in a respectable Round of 16 appearance at **Wimbledon**, where she displayed the shot-making ability that once made her a Grand Slam champion. However, as the summer progressed, Raducanu’s injury issues began to resurface. Struggling with a recurring foot ligament injury, she made the tough decision to withdraw from the **Paris Olympics**, a move that disappointed both her fans and those hoping to see her build momentum on the international stage.
The foot injury was not an isolated incident. Raducanu’s 2024 season has been characterized by physical setbacks, and the latest came at the **Korea Open**, where she was forced to withdraw from her quarterfinal match due to the same troublesome foot ligament. This marked yet another instance of Raducanu having to bow out of a promising run due to injuries—a pattern that has raised questions about her long-term durability and ability to compete consistently. The decision to pull out of the Korea Open meant she missed the entire Asian swing of the WTA tour, including the Hong Kong Open, further stalling her progress.
Amidst the mounting criticism about her lack of consistency, former British tennis player **Laura Robson** has stepped forward to defend Raducanu. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Robson offered a nuanced take on Raducanu’s struggles, emphasizing the learning curve that comes with transitioning from a breakout teenage star to a full-fledged professional. “It’s tough listening to her say that in New York,” Robson noted, referencing Raducanu’s recent reflections on her struggles, “because you constantly have the feeling as a tennis player that you could’ve done things differently. It’s still such a learning experience.” According to Robson, Raducanu is still figuring out what works best for her—whether that’s deciding which tournaments to enter or refining her increasingly aggressive playing style.
Robson also acknowledged Raducanu’s potential, pointing out that when the young Brit is healthy and playing well, she has the ability to beat nearly anyone. Her aggressive game, while inconsistent at times, is an asset that could make her a major threat on any surface if she can maintain it consistently. “She’s a great player with such an attacking game style, but you just need to be able to do that day in, day out,” Robson said, highlighting the challenge of bringing high-level play to every match.
Indeed, Raducanu’s 2024 season has not been devoid of progress. She started the year ranked outside the top 300 but has climbed back to World No. 55—a significant jump given the time she has spent off the court due to injuries. Robson emphasized that this rise is noteworthy, especially considering the months Raducanu has missed. “When you think about the months that she’s missed, to climb to the ranking she is now, it’s actually impressive,” she said, noting that Raducanu’s injury-plagued journey has prevented her from gaining the momentum she needs to challenge the sport’s elite consistently.
The pressure on Raducanu goes beyond the tennis court. Her visibility and marketability have taken a hit alongside her fluctuating performance. Once ranked among the world’s most marketable athletes, her recent struggles have seen her drop from 21st to 131st in the global marketability rankings. Sponsorship deals that seemed secure after her 2021 US Open triumph have become uncertain, with luxury brands like **Porsche** reportedly pulling back from partnerships. This decline in marketability underscores the dual pressure Raducanu faces—not only to perform well in matches but also to uphold the brand image that comes with being a top athlete in a commercially driven sport.
American tennis legend **Martina Navratilova** has been vocal about what she believes Raducanu needs to do to overcome these challenges. In a recent interview, Navratilova offered some straightforward advice: “I think Emma needs to take ownership of herself, of her brand, and of her tennis career most of all. She needs to be clear who her team is, what her goal is, and not let herself off the hook.” Navratilova’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among tennis experts who believe that Raducanu’s rapid rise to fame left her without a clear roadmap for sustaining long-term success. Now, with several seasons of experience behind her, there’s a sense that it’s time for Raducanu to take control and define her own path forward.
Raducanu herself seems to be adopting a more reflective and mature mindset. In a recent interview, she shared one of the most important lessons she has learned: “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes.” This philosophy, she explained, has helped her reframe her challenges and accept the ups and downs of professional sports. Her recent Instagram post, where she shared clips of a practice session in London with the caption “A week of starting the engines,” suggests that she is mentally preparing for a return, focusing on both physical recovery and mental resilience.
Shortly after Raducanu’s early exit from the 2024 US Open, former British tennis star **Tim Henman** also weighed in on her potential. He expressed optimism, saying that despite the setbacks, Raducanu’s game appears to be evolving in the right direction. “To a certain extent, her massive jump in the ranking gives us an indication of that,” Henman noted. However, he acknowledged that the ultimate test will be whether Raducanu can capture another major title—a feat that many fans and analysts believe will be difficult given her current trajectory.
The Billie Jean King Cup, scheduled for next month, is now the focal point for Raducanu’s supporters. It offers her a chance to prove that her recovery is on track and to finish the season on a high note. Whether or not she competes, this period represents a pivotal moment in her young career. Can she translate the lessons learned from a season of setbacks into a more consistent and injury-free 2025? Or will the pressure and physical toll continue to impede her progress?
The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Emma Raducanu’s story is still being written. Her remarkable rise in 2021 captured the imagination of fans around the world, and her subsequent struggles have only made her journey more compelling. As she continues to grapple with injuries, expectations, and the demands of life as a global tennis star, Raducanu’s resilience and ability to adapt will determine whether she can reclaim the form that made her a Grand Slam champion. Fans, critics, and experts alike are eager to see what the next chapter holds for this young talent, whose potential remains undeniable.