Britain’s young tennis sensation, **Emma Raducanu**, recently opened up about the challenges she’s faced during her career, which, despite its relatively short span, has already been heavily impacted by recurring injuries. The 21-year-old, who made global headlines by winning the US Open in 2021 at the age of 18, has had a tumultuous journey marked by periods of recovery, perseverance, and learning from setbacks. Speaking candidly, Raducanu revealed how isolating it was to be sidelined from the game she loves, stating that she eventually couldn’t “watch anything” related to tennis, as it reminded her of everything she was missing out on.
Raducanu’s talent and potential were evident early on, especially following her historic US Open victory as a qualifier. However, her career post-US Open has been marred by fitness struggles. Over the last year, her body has endured multiple injuries that demanded surgical intervention and extended periods away from the sport. Despite her youth, Raducanu has undergone three surgeries in a bid to correct persistent issues with her wrist and ankle. The rehabilitation process took longer than initially expected, and Raducanu has acknowledged that her eagerness to return may have led to further setbacks.
Reflecting on the challenging journey, Raducanu shared her thoughts in a recent interview with *The Tennis Gazette*, where she discussed the emotional toll that these fitness setbacks took on her. “I was out for eight months, and I had three surgeries,” she said. “The rehab wasn’t as straightforward as everyone planned. Initially, the return to play was only meant to be four months, but it ended up being double because I came back a bit too quickly and then did more damage.” This realization, she noted, has taught her an important lesson in patience, a quality she feels she may have lacked in the past.
According to Raducanu, these eight months away from competitive tennis proved to be one of the toughest periods of her life. The forced hiatus and subsequent surgeries meant missing out on training, competing, and even keeping up with the sport. Watching her peers continue to compete and improve without her was difficult. Raducanu candidly explained that as time went on, she found herself unable to even watch tennis matches, opting instead to “shut it off.” “When you’re on the sidelines watching everything go past you, yeah, it was difficult,” she shared. “I just had to shut it off and I actually couldn’t watch anything.”
Her latest attempt at a full comeback took place at the 2023 Korea Open. After a few solid rounds, she faced Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, during the match, Raducanu’s struggles with injury resurfaced, and she was forced to retire. This incident underscores the challenging reality she continues to face—despite her best efforts to fully recover, her body has not yet allowed her to consistently compete at the highest level.
Despite these challenges, Raducanu remains hopeful. Reflecting on the situation, she shared that this long recovery process has shifted her perspective. Where she once focused heavily on results and winning titles, she now finds herself grateful simply to be healthy enough to step onto the court. “In terms of coming back, it takes a while to get up to the speed of the game,” she explained. “The match is different from practice as well and introduces unpredictability, so I think now I’m just more grateful for my health than results.”
These words highlight a shift in mindset that has been crucial for Raducanu, who acknowledges that while she may not have yet regained her top form, she has developed a deeper appreciation for her physical well-being. This period has taught her not to rush the healing process, as she recognizes that pushing too hard may lead to more harm than good.
Raducanu’s story resonates with the experiences of many young athletes who face similar setbacks. Her achievements at such a young age brought immense pressure and high expectations, both from fans and herself. However, these recent struggles have helped her recalibrate her goals, allowing her to approach the sport with a renewed focus on longevity rather than short-term success.
Looking to the future, Raducanu hopes to continue working on her fitness and gradually build the resilience needed to sustain a competitive career. She remains positive, saying that she is still driven by a passion for the sport and the motivation to return to the highest level. “It’s about balance now,” she said, noting that while her desire to compete remains strong, she’s also learning to prioritize her health above all else.
In conclusion, Emma Raducanu’s journey has been far from linear, marked by both remarkable highs and difficult lows. As she continues her journey back to full strength, Raducanu’s newfound patience and appreciation for her health may be key to her success. At just 21 years old, her career is still in its early stages, and if she can maintain her resilience and manage her health, there’s no doubt she has the potential to make a significant impact on the tennis world for years to come.