Emma Raducanu’s remarkable rise to global stardom in 2021, following her historic US Open victory, has been well-documented. The British tennis sensation’s sudden ascent captured the hearts of millions and placed her firmly in the global sports spotlight. However, the years that followed have been anything but smooth, marked by a series of injuries, fluctuating form, and intense scrutiny. Now, as she gears up for a pivotal 2025 season, Raducanu finds herself at a crucial juncture, with renewed determination and support from the tennis community, including fellow British Grand Slam champion Alfie Hewett.
The Rise and Challenges of Emma Raducanu
Raducanu’s journey since her triumph in New York has been a rollercoaster. The pressure that followed her unexpected Grand Slam victory was immense. At just 18, she became the first qualifier in history to win a major singles title, and the youngest British player to claim such a feat. The media frenzy and public expectations skyrocketed, leaving little room for the natural progression most young players experience.
Unfortunately, Raducanu struggled to find her footing in the seasons that followed. Injuries became a recurring issue, forcing her to withdraw from several tournaments and hampering her ability to build momentum. By the end of 2023, she had dropped out of the top 200 in the WTA rankings, leading many to question whether she could recapture her former glory.
A Resurgent 2024
Raducanu’s 2024 season marked a turning point. After months of rehabilitation and careful planning, she managed to climb back to No. 58 in the world rankings. This resurgence was highlighted by a strong performance at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, where she secured three impressive victories representing Great Britain. These wins were more than just numbers—they signaled a renewed confidence and physical resilience that had been missing in previous seasons.
Wheelchair tennis legend Alfie Hewett, who has won an astounding 30 Grand Slam titles, is among those who believe Raducanu has what it takes to achieve even greater success. In an exclusive interview with Tennis365 at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in London, Hewett shared his admiration for Raducanu’s perseverance.
“You don’t really know how it feels to suddenly get publicity until you get there and it happens to you,” Hewett explained. “I’ve had a bit of spotlight on me in recent years, but it’s minuscule compared to what she must have gone through. It can’t be easy.”
Hewett’s perspective is particularly insightful, given his own experience navigating the pressures of professional tennis. He acknowledged the unique challenges that come with winning a major title early in one’s career, especially in an era of intense media scrutiny and social media pressure. “Success can change your future, but it also provides challenges when you win a big title like that,” he said.
Eyes on Wimbledon: A Realistic Dream
One of the most intriguing aspects of Raducanu’s future is her potential to win Wimbledon. The British Grand Slam is often regarded as the pinnacle of tennis achievement for players from the UK, and Raducanu’s performance at the All England Club has shown flashes of brilliance. Hewett is optimistic about her chances. “Emma has a real chance to have a big year,” he noted. “She has proven that when she is fit, healthy, and strong, she is definitely up there with some of the best in the game. I think it’s possible that she could win Wimbledon one day.”
This sentiment is not unfounded. Raducanu’s game is well-suited to grass courts, with her powerful groundstrokes and ability to adapt to different playing conditions. Her run at Wimbledon earlier this year demonstrated her potential, and with the right preparation, she could be a serious contender in 2025.
Building for the Future: Injury Prevention and Fitness
A key focus for Raducanu heading into the new season is injury prevention. The physical demands of professional tennis are relentless, and staying healthy will be critical to her success. To address this, Raducanu is reportedly in talks to hire Yutaka Nakamura, a renowned fitness trainer who has previously worked with stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. This move signals her commitment to enhancing her physical conditioning—a crucial step in avoiding the injuries that have plagued her career.
Raducanu herself has emphasized the importance of staying fit. “My goal next year is to stay on court longer,” she revealed. “This year I got to the top 60 in the world, but I played less than 15 events. I know if I’m on court and healthy, I can go even higher.”
Her determination is palpable. “My athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential. I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and I am ready to commit to doing that.”
A New Beginning
As the 2024 season winds down for many players, Raducanu is already looking ahead. “While it’s the end of the season for a lot of players, I feel I’m just beginning to kick-start and get things in motion. I’m training really well, training hard, and already building towards next year. I’m not really looking to have any more time off,” she explained.
This proactive approach bodes well for her future. The challenges she has faced over the past three years have tested her resolve, but they have also made her stronger. With a solid support team, improved fitness, and the experience gained from both triumphs and setbacks, Emma Raducanu appears ready to take on the next chapter of her career.
Conclusion: A Story Still Being Written
Emma Raducanu’s journey is far from over. The road back to the top is rarely straightforward, but the signs of progress are clear. With the backing of figures like Alfie Hewett and the lessons learned from her meteoric rise, she has all the tools needed to achieve greatness once again. Whether 2025 will see her lift the Wimbledon trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching, and Raducanu is ready to rise to the occasion.