Emma Raducanu is facing yet another challenging setback in her young career, as she has officially withdrawn from next week’s Hong Kong Open. This latest withdrawal marks the fifth consecutive tournament she has missed, a concerning trend that has overshadowed her potential since her historic triumph at the US Open in 2021. As the British No. 2 continues to grapple with injuries, her journey has become one that many fans are increasingly familiar with, characterized more by absences than by titles.
At just 21 years old, Raducanu has already experienced the highs of being a Grand Slam champion but has also faced significant struggles in maintaining her form and fitness. Her current ranking of world No. 55 is a stark reminder of the obstacles she has encountered this year. While it’s worth noting that she began the year at a much lower position of No. 301, her progress was disrupted significantly, leaving her unable to rise higher in the rankings despite a solid performance at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round.
This latest setback, particularly her withdrawal from the Hong Kong Open, highlights the difficulty she has faced in regaining consistency and form. The Hong Kong Open was intended to be her final scheduled event of a truncated season, a last chance to secure vital match experience and points before the year ends. Unfortunately, the series of injuries she has faced over the last few months has left her unable to capitalize on these opportunities. For Raducanu, the past month has felt like a frustrating repeat of previous experiences—what some might describe as her personal version of Groundhog Day.
Reflecting on her year, the grass-court season had offered some promise. Raducanu seemed to have moved past the disheartening performances at the Madrid Masters, where she was publicly criticized by her Great Britain captain, Anne Keothavong, for not showing enough fight. Additionally, she missed out on qualifying for the French Open, a decision that raised eyebrows and concerns among her supporters. However, she rebounded by reaching the semifinals in Nottingham and recording her first victory against a top-ten player, Jessica Pegula, at Eastbourne. These moments were a glimpse of her potential, suggesting that she was on the right path to recovery.
However, her decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, despite having initially agreed to partner with Andy Murray, was another misstep that drew criticism. Following her first-round exit from the US Open, where she expressed her disappointment in a tearful admission that she hadn’t played enough leading up to the tournament, Raducanu’s situation became increasingly precarious. After being denied wildcards for both Cincinnati and Toronto, she opted to return home, hoping to regroup.
Her plans for the latter part of the season, which included a series of events in Asia, took a turn for the worse when she sustained a sprained foot ligament during the quarter-finals of the Korea Open on September 21. This injury has forced her back into a rigorous rehabilitation process, further delaying her return to competitive tennis. Currently training at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, Raducanu is focusing on rebuilding her fitness and strength, a task that requires not just physical effort but also immense mental resilience.
Amidst these challenges, there were a few highlights this season, particularly her performance in the Billie Jean King Cup. In April, she played a crucial role by winning two ties against France, including a notable victory over world No. 23 Caroline Garcia. Her presence in the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup finals in Malaga would be invaluable for the British team, not only in terms of her skill but also for her experience. However, as she approaches her 22nd birthday just days before the quarter-final tie against Germany on November 15, there is an undeniable weight of nearly three years where her body has struggled to cope with the demands of the WTA Tour.
Raducanu’s emotional moment at Flushing Meadows, where she openly expressed her sadness about her current situation, resonated with many fans who empathized with her plight. Before the US Open, she had given various reasons for not participating in the Olympics, citing the rapid transition from grass to clay as a key factor, while expressing hopes of competing in Los Angeles in 2028. Yet, alongside her aspirations in sports, Raducanu has also shown an interest in academics. During a recent visit to Oxford with her friend Fran Jones, she mentioned her longstanding desire to attend a prestigious university, indicating that she values education and may consider it post-tennis.
While her career is still in its early stages, Raducanu has already amassed significant financial success, and any commercial deals she signed following her US Open victory are nearing their conclusion. It is a reminder that while her tennis journey is fraught with challenges, she has options for her future, both within and outside of the sport.
In contrast, former British No. 1 Annabel Croft retired from tennis at 21 but went on to have a successful career in broadcasting and other ventures. Although Raducanu has not yet reached that point, her resilience will be crucial as she navigates the complexities of her career. If the injuries and setbacks continue to plague her, and the relentless physical and mental demands of rehabilitation become overwhelming, Raducanu has the foresight to recognize that there are paths available to her beyond tennis.
As she continues to work through her rehabilitation, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping for her return to form and the court. Raducanu’s journey remains one of potential, resilience, and choice, and while the road ahead may be challenging, the belief in her ability to overcome obstacles is strong among her supporters.