Emma Raducanu recently shared insights into her challenging journey back from a series of injuries that have forced her to spend considerable time away from the tennis courts. Since her breakthrough at the 2021 US Open, where she stunned the tennis world by claiming her first Grand Slam title as a qualifier, Raducanu’s path has been anything but smooth. Persistent injuries have not only tested her physical resilience but also affected her confidence and mental strength, as her ability to perform consistently was compromised time and again. Despite these struggles, the British star has shown remarkable perseverance, and even with multiple setbacks in 2024, she climbed back to No. 55 in the WTA rankings, demonstrating her determination to rebuild and gear up for what she hopes will be a healthier 2025 season.
In 2023, Raducanu faced one of the most challenging periods of her career. After ending her season early, she underwent surgeries on both her wrists and her ankle, sidelining her for eight months. This extended recovery period was a daunting experience for the young athlete, marking the longest she had been away from the sport. While she had encountered injuries in the past, this particular ordeal took a toll on her mentally as much as physically. In her recent interview with HSBC, Raducanu opened up about the difficult emotions she experienced during this time, admitting that she found it painful to even watch tennis. For someone who had achieved such success at a young age, being unable to participate or even enjoy the sport as a spectator was a harsh reality.
Initially, Raducanu had expected her recovery to last around four months, but complications arose when she returned too soon, causing further damage and extending her recovery period to double the original estimate. Reflecting on this, Raducanu acknowledged the valuable lesson she learned in patience, an important reminder not to rush the recovery process despite the intense desire to get back to playing. “I was out for eight months, and I had three surgeries. The rehab wasn’t as straightforward as everyone planned,” she shared. “Initially, the return to play was only meant to be four months, but it ended up being double because I came back a bit too quickly and then did more damage. So I think I also learned a lesson in patience and not rushing things.”
In her absence from competitive play, Raducanu found herself grappling with the psychological challenges of watching her peers continue to advance in the sport. The young star shared how watching matches became too emotionally taxing, eventually leading her to tune out from the sport altogether. “When you’re on the sidelines watching everything go past you, it’s difficult. I just had to shut it off and couldn’t watch anything,” she revealed. This period of detachment, though painful, allowed her to cultivate a new mindset. Today, Raducanu says she’s more focused on being grateful for her health than on the immediate results of her comeback efforts, recognizing the importance of staying grounded through both wins and setbacks.
Raducanu’s return to competition, however, has not been without new hurdles. Although she managed to get back on the court in early 2024, recurring injuries have continued to hinder her progress. Just recently, she was set to participate in the Hong Kong Open, with a video even appearing on the tournament’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming her excitement for the event. But only a week later, Raducanu took to her own X account to share that she would not be able to compete due to a foot injury—a setback that has been lingering since the Korea Open, where she was also forced to withdraw. This recurring foot issue has now led her to miss four consecutive tournaments, including high-profile events in Beijing, Wuhan, and the Ningbo Open.
In her announcement about pulling out of the Hong Kong Open, Raducanu expressed her regret, explaining, “Hello, I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit.” She also conveyed her desire to participate in the tournament in the future and emphasized her commitment to getting back to full fitness in time for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November. “I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC,” she wrote, assuring fans of her determination to return to competitive form.
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu has shown impressive resilience and maturity for a player of her age. Her journey since the US Open win has been anything but linear, with an almost constant battle against injuries that have often sidelined her from the sport she loves. However, these challenges have given her the chance to grow, forcing her to confront both physical limitations and the mental demands of a high-pressure career. Raducanu has repeatedly acknowledged the role of patience and self-care in her recovery, aiming to prioritize her long-term health over immediate gains. This new approach signifies a shift in her outlook, where success is not solely measured by rankings or titles, but by her ability to continue competing healthily and sustainably.
As she prepares for the 2025 season, Raducanu remains focused on rebuilding her form and approaching each tournament with a renewed sense of appreciation for her physical and mental well-being. Her fans, though hopeful for her swift return, also understand that the journey back from a series of major injuries is no small feat. Raducanu’s story serves as a reminder that resilience is often forged in the face of adversity, and that true champions are defined not just by their victories, but by their ability to rise above challenges. For now, Emma Raducanu is taking it one day at a time, hopeful for a successful 2025 and determined to make a lasting impact in the world of tennis.