Emma Raducanu is set to launch her 2025 tennis season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, a move that has thrilled tournament organizers who regard the British star as a marquee attraction capable of boosting ticket sales and drawing immense attention. For the now 22-year-old Raducanu, this marks her third straight appearance at the Auckland-based tournament, scheduled from December 29 to January 5, and her return symbolizes a continuation of her evolving relationship with the event.
Raducanu first made her way to Auckland for the 2023 edition of the ASB Classic, a debut that ended on a sour note. In an unfortunate turn of events, she sustained a serious ankle injury during a rain-affected match against Viktoria Hruncakova after slipping on the indoor court. The injury led to a tearful exit from the tournament and sparked criticism from Raducanu, who voiced frustrations over the conditions and the event’s organizers. “It’s difficult to take. I’ve put a lot of physical work in the last few months and I’ve been feeling good and optimistic. So to be stopped by a freak injury, rolling an ankle, is pretty disappointing,” Raducanu stated at the time, adding that the courts were “incredibly slick.”
Despite the rocky start, Raducanu returned for the 2024 ASB Classic, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to mend fences. Although her second campaign was more subdued, ending with a round-of-16 loss, it concluded on far more amicable terms with the tournament. Her decision to come back again for the 2025 edition is a testament to a repaired relationship, underscored by tournament director Nicolas Lamperin’s acknowledgment of the past but optimism for the future. “It is all behind us now. We had to face the most unfortunate circumstances in 2023, we have all learned from it, and I don’t think such a similar scenario could happen again,” Lamperin commented.
For the ASB Classic, Raducanu’s return signifies more than just a player entry; it’s a valuable opportunity to leverage her global star power. Since her breakthrough 2021 US Open victory, which she claimed as a qualifier in a historic run, Raducanu has captured the imaginations of tennis fans worldwide, particularly among younger audiences. This popularity makes her a highly sought-after participant for tournaments, even during periods when her on-court performances have been inconsistent. “Someone like Emma will always be on top of our list. She’s a marquee player; her ranking doesn’t really matter in terms of the star power that she brings to the tournament,” Lamperin explained to the *NZ Herald*.
Lamperin further emphasized the business impact of Raducanu’s participation. “It’s an investment, but it’s worth it. We’ve seen the effect on ticket sales; every time we have announced her, there is always a major spike. We have also seen the reaction from our sponsors when we are having a discussion and sharing the possibility that she might be coming,” he noted. According to Lamperin, Raducanu’s growing connection with Auckland and its people further strengthens her appeal and makes her a special guest in their tennis calendar.
Raducanu herself appears eager to foster this bond. Reflecting on her experiences, she praised both the people and the setting. “The people are very friendly and very hospitable. I always have a great time there. The weather, when it is nice, is really beautiful,” Raducanu shared, suggesting a renewed appreciation for the tournament’s charm beyond the court.
Heading into the 2025 season, Raducanu faces significant challenges but also holds promise. She has not competed since suffering another ankle injury in mid-October but is preparing to return to action at this week’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. Raducanu expressed optimism about her current state of mind and readiness to compete, saying, “Mentally, I feel like I am in a better place to compete now than I ever have been before since the US Open. It’s going to probably take me some tournaments to get up to speed, but once I do, I am in a better headspace to compete now.”
Raducanu’s journey since her US Open victory has been a mix of highs and lows, marked by flashes of brilliance but also physical setbacks. Still, her determination and ability to connect with fans make her a compelling figure in the sport. The 2025 ASB Classic offers her a chance to start fresh, potentially turn her fortunes around, and make another deep run in Auckland—this time, with the support of an even more dedicated fanbase and a receptive tournament team.
As the 2025 season approaches, tennis enthusiasts and casual fans alike will be closely watching Raducanu’s performance in Auckland. Will she reclaim the form that once dazzled the tennis world and make her mark in New Zealand once more? For now, her return alone is enough to spark excitement and hope for memorable moments to come on the hard courts of Auckland.