After enduring a difficult 2023 season marred by injuries, Emma Raducanu has emerged from a challenging year with renewed confidence, finishing 2024 as the World No. 58. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the 22-year-old British tennis star is proud of the progress she made throughout the year, stating that her top-60 ranking is proof that she remains a “dangerous player” on the WTA Tour. For Raducanu, the 2024 season has been a testament to her resilience and determination, with a steady improvement in her performances and a clear indication that she is still a force to be reckoned with in women’s tennis.
At the start of 2024, Raducanu was ranked No. 301 in the world after a season dominated by injuries, including a wrist issue that required surgery. It had been a difficult comeback following her historic US Open win in 2021, but the 2024 season saw Raducanu significantly improve her standing. As the year draws to a close, she finds herself ranked at No. 58, a remarkable achievement considering the limited number of events she played throughout the season.
For Raducanu, who had to miss significant parts of the clay-court season and the Asia swing due to recurring injuries, the year has been a tale of two halves. “I think I started the year off pretty well for the first half, you know, up to Wimbledon. Then I struggled a little bit more with my body physically. I wasn’t able to play the full calendar and stay on court as much as I would have liked,” Raducanu said, reflecting on her journey through a season that was once again marred by injury. Despite the challenges, she has learned to appreciate her progress and her resilience in the face of adversity.
“Sometimes I need reminding that I’m top 60 in the world, and I’ve played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, in a way,” Raducanu admitted, acknowledging that her ranking is an impressive feat given the circumstances. “I have to pat myself on the back for that. I know I’m a dangerous player. I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that, and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year.”
As a result of her consistent performances, Raducanu’s game has not gone unnoticed. Despite her relatively limited appearances, her presence on the court is still enough to make her a tough opponent for anyone in the draw. “I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw,” she added, expressing her confidence that even though she’s yet to reach her peak, she remains a formidable player capable of challenging the best in the world.
Her journey through 2024 included some notable highs, especially in the first half of the season. Raducanu reached the third round at Wimbledon, showcasing her potential on the grass courts of SW19. However, her injury woes resurfaced following Wimbledon, when she was forced to skip the clay-court swing, missing out on important events in the lead-up to the French Open. Although she made an appearance at the US Open, where she suffered a first-round exit, it was clear that the 2024 season was not going to be smooth sailing for the young Brit.
Following her disappointing North American hard-court swing, Raducanu’s form began to pick up once again. She had a strong run at the Korea Open in Seoul, where she reached the quarterfinals. Raducanu was feeling good on the court and found her rhythm again. But just as it seemed things were looking up, her injury nightmare returned. She sustained a foot injury, which forced her to miss the remainder of the Asian swing and halt her momentum for the second time in the year.
“I think I was playing some good tennis again in Seoul, and I was really feeling pretty good on those courts out there,” Raducanu explained. “Unfortunately, I injured my foot. There were so many tournaments, and I wasn’t defending any points at the back end of the year, so of course, I wanted to play. I think I just took the time and used it in a really proactive and productive way.”
Rather than dwell on the setback, Raducanu chose to make the most of her time off the court. “I come back now, and I feel like everything happens for a reason. It gave me time to work on certain things,” she said. “Two days ago, I served 10 aces, for example, which I did in Seoul in my last match. But it’s been a work in progress. It doesn’t just happen overnight.” Raducanu took this time to focus on areas of her game that needed improvement, such as serving, and is now beginning to reap the rewards of that work. “Even if I was a little bit at the time disappointed, now I feel pretty good, and I don’t look back with any regrets,” she added.
One of the most positive aspects of Raducanu’s 2024 campaign was her performance in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she made an immediate impact by winning both of her singles rubbers to help Great Britain reach the semi-finals. Her resilience and determination to return to her best form were evident, and this success has given her confidence heading into 2025.
Looking ahead, Raducanu remains optimistic. “I think you just have to use whatever cards you’re dealt,” she reflected. “I think you can’t change a situation or I couldn’t in that moment. You know, not trying to live in the past or the future, just being present. You know, trying to adapt with what you’ve got.”
She also emphasized the importance of staying focused and making the most of each opportunity, stating, “I think I knew there are certain things I could improve, and I just really took the time. You know, just thought about my game differently. Practiced those things, and I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot with my tennis right now.” Raducanu’s commitment to improving her game and adapting to the challenges she faces is a clear indication that she is on the right path.
Despite the challenges she faced with injuries and limited playing time, Raducanu is in a good mental and physical space as she heads into the 2025 season. “I think the biggest challenge after a long layoff is more the introduction to match play again,” she admitted. “It’s so different. The difference between a practice match and a real stakes match, that is another transition.” But with each match she plays, Raducanu is regaining confidence, and her focus remains on continuous improvement.
“I’m looking forward to building confidence with each match I play,” she said, underscoring her determination to stay on the right track. With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear focus on what lies ahead, Raducanu is poised to continue her ascent in the tennis world and, most importantly, stay injury-free as she prepares to take on the challenges of 2025.