Emma Raducanu has confirmed that for the third consecutive year, she will not be spending Christmas and New Year’s Day in the United Kingdom. Instead, the 2021 US Open champion will begin her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. This marks the latest chapter in her ongoing commitment to start each new year by competing in the Southern Hemisphere, far from her home country, a tradition she has now embraced.
The ASB Classic, a WTA 250 event, has become a fixture in Raducanu’s tennis calendar, with the British star first making an appearance at the tournament in 2023. Her debut at the event was promising, as she reached the round of 16, though her campaign was unfortunately cut short when she twisted her ankle on the slippery courts during her match against Viktoria Hruncakova. Raducanu was forced to retire late in the second set, a setback that she later criticized, especially in regard to the court conditions. Despite the disappointment, Raducanu showed resilience, returning to the tournament in 2024. This time, she once again made it to the second round before being eliminated in three sets by the tournament’s second seed, Elina Svitolina.
Although her previous ASB Classic campaigns were marred by injury, Raducanu has no plans to alter her decision to kick off her 2025 season in Auckland. The 22-year-old, who has struggled with a series of health issues and injuries in 2024, including a persistent foot problem that kept her off the court for two months, is now ready to return to action. Having played just 32 top-level matches this year, Raducanu is eager to put her injury woes behind her and start fresh in 2025.
In September, it was officially confirmed that Raducanu would be participating in the ASB Classic once again. Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin revealed that negotiations for Raducanu’s return had begun back in June during Wimbledon, and the final agreement was reached later in the year. Despite her current WTA ranking of No. 58, which is significantly lower than when she won the US Open in 2021, Raducanu remains a highly marketable figure in women’s tennis. Organizers had no hesitation in bringing her back to Auckland, knowing the value she brings to the event both in terms of ticket sales and media exposure.
“Someone like Emma will always be at the top of our list,” Lamperin said in an interview with *The Herald*. “Her ranking doesn’t really matter when it comes to the star power she brings to the tournament.” He further explained that Raducanu’s involvement in the ASB Classic was an investment that paid off, noting that every time her participation was announced, there was a noticeable spike in ticket sales. “We’ve also seen the reaction from our sponsors when we share the news that she might be coming,” Lamperin added. Raducanu’s presence continues to generate considerable interest, a testament to the enduring appeal she holds despite her recent injury struggles.
For Raducanu, returning to Auckland is not just about tennis. She has spoken fondly about the friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the city, which she has grown to appreciate over the past few years. “The people are very friendly and very hospitable. I always have a great time there,” she shared. The 22-year-old also enjoys the picturesque surroundings, especially the weather when it is at its best. Auckland’s mild climate and scenic views are a welcome change for Raducanu, who is used to the colder weather back home in the UK.
One of the highlights of Raducanu’s time in Auckland is the opportunity to spend Christmas Day with one of her closest friends. “One of my best friends lives in Auckland, and her family does too, so I think I will be there for Christmas Day,” Raducanu explained. In the past two years, she has celebrated the holiday by traveling an hour north to her friend’s beach house, where they’ve enjoyed a relaxed barbecue. “It’s really wholesome,” Raducanu reflected, adding that she looks forward to the fresh quality of the meat and fish that are so readily available in New Zealand. These personal moments offer a welcome break from the rigors of professional tennis and give Raducanu a chance to recharge ahead of what is set to be another demanding season.
Raducanu’s commitment to the ASB Classic, despite her injury setbacks, demonstrates her dedication to getting back to her best. The British player has faced a challenging 2024 campaign, plagued by injuries that have hindered her ability to compete consistently on the WTA Tour. These physical issues have made it difficult for Raducanu to build the momentum needed to reach the heights she once did in 2021 when she made an extraordinary run to the US Open title. However, her determination to keep playing at the highest level, combined with her decision to continue playing the ASB Classic, shows her resolve to get back to the top.
The 2025 season will be crucial for Raducanu as she looks to bounce back from a year filled with interruptions. A strong start in Auckland could provide the momentum she needs to regain her confidence and push for higher rankings in the coming months. However, her performance at the ASB Classic will not only be measured by wins and losses but also by how well she has recovered physically and mentally from the challenges she faced in 2024. The tournament provides a chance for Raducanu to reset, re-energize, and refocus as she prepares for a season that will hopefully be more consistent than the one just past.
The ASB Classic has proven to be a good starting point for Raducanu in recent years, and despite the tough losses and injuries she’s faced in her previous appearances, the tournament offers an opportunity for redemption. With her foot injury now behind her, Raducanu will look to capitalize on the chance to compete in Auckland, hopefully with a clean bill of health, and aim for a deep run that will set the tone for a successful 2025.
As Raducanu prepares for the upcoming season, there is a renewed sense of anticipation surrounding her return to action. While the challenges she faces in 2025 are significant, the support she receives from the tennis community, her sponsors, and the fans in Auckland will be invaluable as she strives to reclaim her place among the top players in the world. The journey ahead may not be easy, but with her resilient spirit and the backing of her supporters, Emma Raducanu is ready to face whatever comes her way in the new year.