Emma Raducanu has provided an in-depth reflection on her recovery from injury as she prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup finals, marking a potential high note to end what has been a challenging season. The former British number one has not competed since her Korea Open quarterfinal match, where she was forced to retire due to a foot injury—a setback that added to a year marked by multiple physical challenges. However, with a renewed focus and determination, Raducanu is ready to represent Great Britain in Malaga, eyeing a potential first Billie Jean King Cup title for her country.
The 22-year-old’s journey back to full fitness has not been straightforward. Her last match on September 17 ended prematurely when she retired after losing the first set to Daria Kasatkina. Reflecting on this, Raducanu shared her initial uncertainty about the severity of her injury. “I think when I got injured in Korea, I didn’t know how bad it was initially,” she explained to reporters in Malaga. “I did it in my second-round match there and managed to finish, but after that, I ended up not playing for about four or five weeks.”
Raducanu’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster. After returning to the tour in January following surgeries on both her wrists and ankle, she faced several hurdles that tested her resolve. Yet, despite the setbacks, she has focused on gradually rebuilding her physical and mental game. “The last few weeks have been a gradual buildup and return to play,” she said. “I have done some really good work, and I am feeling good about my game and in a place where I can try and compete on the match court again. But it’s different.”
During her downtime, Raducanu sought to make the most of her recovery period by exploring other facets of personal development and engaging in family time. “With the time off, I was trying to develop myself in other ways, doing other hobbies,” she revealed. “I spent some time in China to see my grandma, but otherwise, it has been full focus on trying to get healthy for this tournament.” Her efforts to use her rehabilitation period productively underscore the maturity and resilience she has demonstrated throughout her career.
Raducanu’s return to fitness is timely, given her desire to compete at the Billie Jean King Cup finals—a prestigious opportunity to represent her country on an international stage. The British team hopes to make history in Malaga by securing their first title, and Raducanu’s presence provides a boost to their chances. “I have done everything possible to be ready,” she said. “It’s such an honor to represent Great Britain, and this is a special way to end the year.”
In addition to her physical recovery, Raducanu has been making moves to further enhance her game and maximize her potential. Recent reports have linked her with Yutaka Nakamura, a highly regarded fitness trainer who previously worked with tennis legends Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. Sharapova and Osaka have won a combined nine Grand Slam titles, and Nakamura’s expertise in guiding elite athletes could be a significant asset for Raducanu as she looks ahead to the future.
During her press conference, Raducanu addressed the speculation, confirming that discussions with Nakamura were indeed underway. “We are having discussions, and we will see,” she said. “I am looking forward to 2025 regardless.” Her forward-looking perspective reflects a renewed optimism and ambition for the upcoming season. “I know if I am on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further,” Raducanu added.
Acknowledging her physical potential, Raducanu emphasized her commitment to developing her athleticism further. “I think my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential,” she stated. “I am just looking forward to exploring that further.” By focusing on both her fitness and overall game, Raducanu appears determined to build on her strengths and reach new heights in the sport.
Her candid reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and aspirations that shape the career of a young athlete navigating the intense demands of professional tennis. While injuries have tested her resilience, Raducanu’s commitment to growth, coupled with her talent and work ethic, leaves little doubt about her potential to reclaim a place among the sport’s elite. As she prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup finals, Raducanu stands as a symbol of perseverance and hope—not just for herself but for British tennis fans eager to see her thrive on the global stage once more.
With an eye on both the present and the future, Raducanu’s story is one of relentless determination to overcome setbacks and pursue excellence. Whether or not Great Britain secures victory in Malaga, Raducanu’s journey back to full fitness and her ambitions for 2025 signal that she remains a formidable force in women’s tennis—ready to inspire and achieve in equal measure.