Emma Raducanu has reportedly been managing a secret injury, which influenced her limited participation in preparation matches ahead of this year’s US Open. The 21-year-old, who famously captured the tennis world’s attention by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, faced disappointment this year when she exited the tournament in the first round after a tough three-set loss to Sofia Kenin. The outcome prompted scrutiny over her sparse competitive schedule leading up to the Grand Slam, during which she only participated in one hard-court tournament.
The decision to avoid additional matches puzzled many, given that match practice is often considered crucial for top-level players before major tournaments. However, new details have surfaced, suggesting that Raducanu’s restrained schedule was due to an abdominal strain suffered in early August. According to The Telegraph, the injury occurred under peculiar circumstances. A locum fitness trainer reportedly set up her training machine at an unexpectedly high weight, leading to the strain. Raducanu opted to keep the injury private, focusing instead on recovery and training in hopes of performing well at the US Open.
The young Briton’s physical struggles have been an ongoing narrative since her breakout triumph three years ago. Climbing back into the top 60 of the WTA rankings, she has shown glimpses of the form that once catapulted her into the limelight. However, recurring injuries have hampered her progress and consistency. This year alone, Raducanu has had to withdraw from five scheduled tournaments due to a foot ligament sprain, further underscoring the challenge of maintaining peak physical condition on the grueling WTA Tour.
Determined to turn things around, Raducanu is reportedly in talks with a renowned fitness expert who previously worked with Maria Sharapova, a former Grand Slam champion known for her own comeback story and physical endurance. Raducanu’s team appears focused on improving her conditioning and injury prevention strategies, recognizing that staying healthy is key to achieving her full potential on the court.
Despite facing criticism since her US Open triumph, Raducanu remains optimistic about the future. In a recent interview with *Women’s Health*, she spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced over the past three years. “There has been a lot of volatility over the past three years,” Raducanu admitted. “I think the most I’ve come into myself has been in the last few weeks.”
Reflecting on her journey, she shared insights into her evolving mindset and resilience. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes. Every moment is fleeting, and how you interact with the present dictates how you feel, the quality of your work, the quality of your relationships, and how much the people around you enjoy being with you,” she said. This perspective, rooted in mindfulness, has helped her approach setbacks differently, including injuries.
Raducanu explained how she is working on reframing negative experiences and focusing on what she can control. “I’ve taught myself not to label things as black or white. For example, with this injury, I’m trying to catch myself and stop labelling it as like, ‘Oh, I’m so unlucky, this is so bad.’ I’ve learnt to accept things and reframe them. I’m not completely unable to exercise, so I’ll still do things like yoga or Pilates – low-impact exercise, so I’m focusing on that.”
The 21-year-old noted that the past few weeks have been transformative in her personal growth. “I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks, to be honest,” she said. The ability to adapt and remain positive in the face of adversity has become a central theme of her approach both on and off the court.
Raducanu’s next appearance could come at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals later this month, where she is widely expected to represent her country. While injuries have limited her participation in recent tournaments, Raducanu’s commitment to continuous improvement and her potential partnership with a seasoned fitness professional offer hope for a strong resurgence. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether she can recapture the form that made her a sensation and overcome the physical hurdles that have tested her resolve.
As she navigates the challenges of professional tennis, Raducanu remains focused on building a sustainable path forward. Her resilience, combined with her undeniable talent, suggests that she still has much to offer the sport. Whether she can stay fit and achieve consistency remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Emma Raducanu is determined to rise again and prove that her journey is far from over.