Emma Raducanu has faced a wave of criticism in recent months, with many questioning her commitment to tennis and her ability to cope with the physical demands of the sport. A series of missed tournaments and lingering injuries have dominated headlines, overshadowing what has actually been a year of notable progress for the former US Open champion. Yet, in the midst of this scrutiny, former British No. 1 Laura Robson has stepped forward to defend Raducanu, urging fans and critics alike to view her year through a different lens—one that acknowledges her resilience and growth in the face of adversity.
The 21-year-old Raducanu recently announced that she would be withdrawing from the upcoming Hong Kong Open, citing a lack of match fitness. Her decision, shared via a post on the social media platform X, comes on the heels of a difficult stretch. Last month, she retired during her quarter-final match against Daria Kasatkina at the Korea Open, revealing that she had sprained ligaments in her foot. “Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit,” she said, providing a glimpse into her recovery process. Raducanu emphasized that she is doing everything possible to prepare for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where Great Britain, led by captain Anne Keothavong, is set to face Germany on November 15.
The news of her withdrawal from Hong Kong marked the fifth tournament that Raducanu has pulled out of recently, raising concerns about her ability to endure the physical demands of the WTA Tour. This string of injuries has fueled speculation among critics, with some questioning whether Raducanu’s body is prepared for the rigors of professional tennis. Others have gone further, suggesting that her frequent absences indicate a lack of full commitment to the sport. However, Laura Robson, who knows firsthand the challenges of competing at the highest level, sees things differently.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Robson commended Raducanu’s perseverance, pointing out that her rise in the rankings has been remarkable considering the setbacks she’s faced. “When you think about the months that she’s missed, to climb to the ranking she is now, it’s actually impressive,” said Robson, highlighting the fact that Raducanu has surged from outside the top 200 to just outside the top 50 despite undergoing major surgeries on both wrists and her ankle last year. “In that respect, she’s done really well.”
Robson acknowledged that both fans and Raducanu herself would like to see more consistency in her performances, but she attributed the recent stumbles to bad luck rather than a lack of dedication. Injuries, she explained, have repeatedly interrupted Raducanu’s momentum. “It’s all about figuring out what works for you,” Robson said, adding that Raducanu may have just been “unlucky” with the timing of her injuries. She noted that a run of four or five consecutive events could have given Raducanu a crucial boost, but each time a small injury sets her back, the recovery process has to start over.
One of Robson’s key observations centered on a strategic decision that she believes Raducanu could have handled differently. In August, Raducanu chose not to participate in the qualifying rounds in Toronto—a decision that Robson thinks may have cost her valuable match practice. “The break came after Toronto, and with hindsight, she wishes she should’ve kept playing through and then had a bit more momentum going into the US Open,” Robson said. She noted that, for a player still navigating the transition to the highest levels of the sport, every opportunity to gain match experience is crucial.
Raducanu’s limited schedule in the second half of the year has certainly been a point of contention, particularly given the high expectations that followed her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open. Since August, she has played just four matches, leaving her short on the match practice needed to compete consistently at the top level. Yet Robson urged patience, emphasizing that Raducanu is still in the process of learning what works best for her in terms of schedule and game style. The transition from junior success to the grueling demands of the WTA Tour is no small feat, and Robson is confident that Raducanu is on the right path, despite the recent challenges.
One encouraging sign, according to Robson, has been the evolution of Raducanu’s playing style. “The game style has been a bit more aggressive over the last couple of months, which is great,” she observed, noting that Raducanu’s ability to take control of matches has improved. However, Robson also acknowledged that this shift comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s a learning curve,” she said, pointing out that Raducanu’s more attacking approach requires a high level of consistency to be effective.
Robson’s defense of Raducanu is rooted in a recognition of her potential and the quality of her game when she is healthy. “When you look at her results when she has played well and consistently – she can beat almost anyone,” Robson said. This ability to compete with top players has not gone unnoticed, but Raducanu’s challenge lies in maintaining that high level of play on a regular basis. Robson’s analysis reflects a broader truth about professional tennis: even the most talented players need time to adjust to the demands of the tour, and setbacks are an inevitable part of that journey.
As Raducanu continues to navigate the ups and downs of her early career, it’s clear that the path forward will not be a straight line. The scrutiny she faces is, in many ways, a testament to the expectations that accompany a Grand Slam champion. Yet Laura Robson’s support underscores the importance of perspective—acknowledging the progress Raducanu has made, rather than focusing solely on the setbacks.
For now, Raducanu’s priority is to get back to full fitness and compete again on her own terms. Her recent struggles may be frustrating, but they are also a reminder that the road to success in professional tennis is often unpredictable and fraught with challenges. As she aims to be ready for the Billie Jean King Cup, there’s hope that a return to form is just around the corner. And with the backing of experienced voices like Robson’s, Raducanu’s fans have every reason to remain optimistic about what lies ahead for the young star.