Could 2026 be the year Emma Raducanu finally puts everything together? That’s the belief of seasoned tennis commentator Jonathan Overend, who says the British No 1’s difficult 2025 season still holds the building blocks for a major breakthrough next year.
Raducanu’s campaign came to an early end after health setbacks forced her to withdraw from her final tournaments of the year. She had been battling fatigue, dizziness, and a recurring back problem — issues that interrupted her momentum during what had been shaping up as a promising comeback season. The decision to rest and recover was seen as a wise move by those close to her team, ensuring she can return fresh and fully fit for 2026.
Despite those interruptions, Overend believes there are strong reasons for optimism. He pointed to the stability brought by coach Francisco Roig — a respected figure who previously worked with Rafael Nadal — and the brief guidance from Mark Petchey earlier in the season. Those influences, he said, helped Raducanu rediscover her rhythm and confidence on court. “She absolutely looked like a top-20 player and a top-10 challenger,” Overend noted, suggesting her recent performances were a glimpse of what’s to come.
However, the commentator also highlighted the key areas that still need refining. The 22-year-old has often found herself on the verge of big wins against elite opposition but struggled to close them out. “Getting over the line and beating top-10 players remains a problem,” Overend said, adding that maintaining full fitness will be essential to sustaining those high-level performances.
There have been technical strides too. Her serve has become more reliable, with a stronger first delivery helping her win more free points. Yet Overend believes there’s still room for improvement in her reactions and footwork after the serve — crucial for handling the game’s biggest hitters. “That’s something Roig will definitely work on,” he explained, confident that her current coaching setup is well-equipped to address those details.
One of the standout achievements of 2025 has been Raducanu’s steady climb up the rankings. After beginning the season outside the world’s top 300, she finished the year inside the top 30 — a remarkable surge that demonstrates her resilience and ability to rebuild after injury. Overend urged fans to see that progress for what it is, rather than constantly comparing her to her sensational 2021 US Open triumph. “For any player at that age to make that ranking leap is seriously impressive,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the goals for 2026 are clear: stay healthy, sustain a full season, and start converting the narrow defeats against top players into wins. Overend believes Raducanu’s partnership with Roig could be the key to unlocking her full potential. “It’s going to require hard work, dedication, and real commitment to this coaching relationship,” he said. “But 2026 could hold something special for Raducanu.”
As the new season approaches, optimism around the young Brit is quietly building again. With improved consistency, a stable support team, and a renewed sense of purpose, Raducanu may finally be ready to turn her flashes of brilliance into something lasting. If everything falls into place, 2026 could mark the beginning of her true second chapter — one defined not by surprise, but by sustained excellence.
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