Emma Raducanu has thrilled fans with an exciting update, signaling a possible end to her prolonged absence from competitive tennis. The British tennis star, currently ranked world No. 58, shared snippets of herself returning to practice after being sidelined for almost two months due to injury. Raducanu has not played a professional match since suffering a foot injury at the Korea Open in September. Her unexpected injury in the quarter-finals, which saw her sprain ligaments, forced her to retire from the match and subsequently withdraw from a series of tournaments, including the high-profile WTA 1000 event in Beijing.
However, there is hope for a swift comeback. Raducanu posted a short video on Sunday, showcasing her latest training session at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Roehampton. In the clip, the 21-year-old could be seen practicing her serves with determination, hinting at a potential return to competition sooner rather than later. She also shared a gym photo, reflecting her focused efforts to regain peak form. The timing of her return appears to be crucial as Britain gears up for their clash with Germany in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, scheduled to take place next week. According to her team, Raducanu has been “training well” and is aiming to join the squad in Malaga.
Raducanu’s injury saga has been a frustrating roadblock in what has been an up-and-down season. After her impressive run to the Korea Open quarter-finals was abruptly halted, her recovery process became a focal point. Raducanu had initially hoped to make her comeback at the WTA 250 Hong Kong Tennis Open, but her plans were thwarted by lingering issues with her foot. Days before the event, she shared a heartfelt message on social media expressing her regret over the withdrawal. “Hellooo, I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week,” Raducanu wrote. “Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit. 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.”
Raducanu’s determination to return has been evident throughout her recovery journey. Despite the setbacks, she remains focused on contributing to her national team’s efforts in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Britain’s squad, which also includes Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, and Olivia Nicholls, faces a tough test against Germany’s team comprised of Tatjana Maria, Jule Niemeier, Laura Siegemund, and Eva Lys. Raducanu’s potential participation would be a major boost for Britain, given her key role in their previous success. Back in April, she was instrumental in Britain’s victory over France in a qualifier tie, defeating top-tier players Caroline Garcia and Diane Parry on indoor clay—a surface notoriously challenging for British players.
While Raducanu’s inclusion in the team was confirmed in September, the rules allow for up to three changes before the first match. This means the decision regarding her participation will ultimately depend on her fitness level leading up to the event. Encouragingly, the signs point to a positive trajectory in her recovery. Reports suggest that Raducanu is set to join her teammates in Malaga on Monday for final preparations, a move that indicates confidence in her ability to compete.
Raducanu’s rise to fame, which began with her historic US Open victory in 2021 as a qualifier, has made her one of the most prominent figures in tennis. Since that remarkable triumph, she has experienced the highs and lows of life on the tour, navigating injuries, form fluctuations, and intense scrutiny. Her return to action is highly anticipated not just by British fans but by tennis enthusiasts worldwide who have been captivated by her talent and potential.
The 21-year-old’s return to the court comes with high stakes. The Billie Jean King Cup Finals offer an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase her resilience on the international stage. Her performance in this event could set the tone for a strong comeback in 2025, as she seeks to re-establish herself among the sport’s elite. For now, all eyes are on Raducanu as she continues to work toward full match fitness. Whether or not she takes to the court in Malaga, her commitment to returning stronger than ever is unmistakable—a testament to her dedication and love for the sport. The tennis world awaits with bated breath, hopeful that this comeback marks the start of another successful chapter in Emma Raducanu’s career.