Emma Raducanu has brought her 2025 season to an early close after a series of health setbacks during the Asian swing, a decision that had been anticipated following her difficult outing in Ningbo. The former US Open champion — who had staged an impressive mid-season resurgence that pushed her back into the world’s top 30 — has chosen to withdraw from her final tournaments of the year in Tokyo and Hong Kong to focus fully on recovery and preparation for the 2026 season.
Her decision came after a concerning match in Ningbo, where she faced local wild card Zhu Lin in the opening round. Raducanu required medical attention twice during the contest, struggling visibly with back pain and fatigue. Despite battling to force a deciding set, she ultimately fell short, clearly hampered by her physical condition. It marked the second consecutive week that health issues disrupted her progress in China, following a retirement in Wuhan due to illness.
Before the Ningbo event, Raducanu had spoken about wanting to “push herself physically,” a statement that highlighted her determination to rebuild both strength and confidence after the setbacks of recent years. However, the events that followed revealed the fine balance between ambition and overexertion for a player still finding her rhythm after multiple injuries and surgeries.
Throughout her recent tournaments, Raducanu has shown glimpses of her best tennis — sharp movement, strong baseline play, and improved mental composure — but recurring physical problems have interrupted her momentum. Episodes of dizziness, fatigue, and persistent back discomfort have made consistent performance difficult, and after consultations with her team, she decided that stepping away from competition now is the wisest course.
Her medical team reportedly advised a break to allow proper rest and rehabilitation, prioritising long-term health over short-term gains. It’s a pragmatic move for a player whose comeback this season had been one of the brighter stories in women’s tennis, with 28 match wins and several deep tournament runs that reminded fans of her potential when fully fit.
Despite the early conclusion to her season, Raducanu’s future plans appear steady and focused. She is set to continue working with Spanish coach Francisco Roig into 2026, with an emphasis on building her endurance and managing her schedule more carefully. The team’s strategy reportedly includes an extended off-season training block to strengthen her core and prevent further injuries — a crucial step after the physical challenges she faced this year.
Those who watched her match in Ningbo praised her determination despite obvious discomfort. Many in the tennis community agreed that withdrawing from the remaining events was the sensible decision, reflecting a growing awareness that young players must prioritise their health in a demanding tour environment.
As Raducanu heads into the off-season, her focus will shift to full recovery and a strong return at the start of next year, with the Australian Open likely her next major target. Her ability to blend her natural shot-making talent with renewed physical stability will determine whether she can re-establish herself among the WTA’s elite.
For now, her decision marks a pause rather than a setback — a chance to regroup, reset, and come back stronger. After a rollercoaster year that showcased both her potential and her vulnerabilities, Raducanu’s next chapter will depend not just on her skills with a racket, but on her ability to master the physical demands of the sport that made her a global star.
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