Emma Raducanu recently gave her fans an impressive glimpse into her intense training regimen, showing off her remarkable strength and dedication as she lifted an astonishing 180 kilograms during a workout session. Weighing around 55 kilograms herself, the young tennis star managed to deadlift nearly four times her body weight, an achievement that’s as rare as it is impressive for an athlete in any sport, let alone tennis, where players typically emphasize agility, speed, and endurance over raw strength.
Raducanu, who rocketed to international fame after her historic 2021 US Open win, shared her latest fitness feat on Instagram with a playful caption: “Finishing the week strong with some good faces.” In the video, her trainer can be seen by her side, calling out encouragement as she powers through the challenging lift. Her display of strength quickly drew admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike, inspiring a wave of positive comments and praise.
One of the first to respond was fellow tennis player Naomi Broady, who playfully commented, “Okurrrrr mum. I see those stacks of plates,” acknowledging both Raducanu’s dedication and the significant weights she was lifting. Personal trainer and fitness influencer Alice Liveing also chimed in, adding, “YESSS Emma! It’s honestly so great to see women lifting heavy weights and embracing all the positive benefits of resistance training.” Liveing’s comment underscores a broader movement in fitness today that encourages women to break traditional norms and embrace strength training as a key component of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
For Raducanu, this strength milestone isn’t just about adding muscle—it’s a strategic part of her comeback plan. Since her sensational 2021 victory at the US Open, where she stunned the tennis world by winning ten consecutive matches without dropping a set, Raducanu has faced a challenging road. Following her breakout success, the young star grappled with injuries and adjustments as she navigated the expectations and intense schedule of the WTA Tour. Her latest commitment to weight training suggests that she’s leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of resilience and strength as she works towards reclaiming her place among the tennis elite.
The 180 kg deadlift is particularly impressive because deadlifts engage a range of major muscle groups, including the glutes, hamstrings, back, and core, which are all essential for tennis players who rely heavily on lower body power and stability. Such exercises not only help to build strength but also aid in injury prevention, which is critical for Raducanu, who has had to withdraw from several tournaments due to physical setbacks over the past two seasons. Many sports scientists and coaches today emphasize the role of strength training in reducing the risk of common tennis injuries, such as those affecting the lower back, shoulders, and knees. This focus on comprehensive physical conditioning could be crucial for Raducanu as she continues to work on her comeback.
Raducanu’s journey over the past few years has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. When she lifted the US Open trophy at the age of 18, she became the first qualifier in tennis history to win a Grand Slam and the first British woman to capture a major title since Virginia Wade in 1977. Her achievement resonated globally and was celebrated as a turning point not only for British tennis but also as an inspiration for young athletes worldwide. However, with such a dramatic rise also came heightened pressure and expectations. The transition from newcomer to Grand Slam champion brought with it the realities of competing in one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports at the highest level.
In recent interviews, Raducanu has expressed how important it is for her to build a strong foundation, both physically and mentally, to ensure a sustainable and successful career. Recognizing the demands of professional tennis, she’s taken time to focus on refining her physical conditioning, technique, and on-court strategy. This dedication to a well-rounded approach is something many rising athletes have adopted, acknowledging that the tennis season is grueling, with little room for rest. By increasing her focus on strength and conditioning, Raducanu aims to build a robust base that can withstand the demands of the tour.
Raducanu’s fans have been supportive of her journey, recognizing that her road to success is unique and that rebuilding after her initial breakout victory may take time. Many see her dedication to heavy lifting and comprehensive training as a positive sign of her commitment to return stronger. The shift towards weight training and injury prevention has become increasingly common among top players, with tennis stars like Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal known for incorporating resistance training to enhance their power and resilience.
As Raducanu looks ahead to the next season, her focus on strength training could be the key to a successful comeback. With the support of her team, she seems determined to stay focused on her physical and mental health while preparing to compete at the highest level once again. Her fans, who continue to cheer her on through social media, have faith that she’ll soon be back to the form that made her an overnight sensation at the US Open. In the meantime, they’ll surely be watching closely as she shares glimpses of her training progress and prepares to make her mark on the tennis court once again.
In many ways, Raducanu’s journey is emblematic of a new generation of athletes who are not only focused on immediate results but are also committed to building a sustainable and healthy foundation for long-term success. With her latest deadlift achievement and dedication to strength training, it’s clear that she’s ready to tackle the physical and mental demands of professional tennis with renewed vigor and resilience.