Emma Raducanu has what it takes to win Wimbledon, according to one of her fellow British Grand Slam champions, Alfie Hewett. Raducanu’s journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows since her remarkable victory at the US Open in 2021. After captivating the tennis world with her stunning triumph as a teenager, she has faced numerous challenges, from struggles with injuries to the immense pressure of living up to her sudden superstardom. Despite these setbacks, Raducanu has shown incredible resilience, and now, as she looks forward to 2025, Hewett is confident that the 22-year-old has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.
Raducanu’s rise to fame was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2021, she made history by winning the US Open as a qualifier, becoming the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977. The victory was a fairy tale moment for tennis fans, particularly in the UK, where Raducanu’s success captivated the nation. She quickly became one of the most talked-about athletes in the world, with her every move scrutinized by the media. However, the whirlwind of publicity that followed her US Open victory was followed by a period of struggle. Raducanu found it difficult to maintain the same level of success, and injuries began to take their toll on her career.
Despite her challenges, Raducanu showed immense character in navigating through these turbulent times. After falling out of the top 200 in the WTA rankings last year, she worked tirelessly to regain her form and fitness. By the end of 2024, Raducanu had climbed back up to No. 58 in the world, demonstrating her ability to bounce back and rebuild her career. She ended the season on a high note, representing Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, where she earned three impressive victories. These successes have injected fresh optimism into her future, and many believe that Raducanu is poised for a strong comeback in 2025.
Alfie Hewett, who has his own remarkable career as a 30-time Grand Slam-winning wheelchair tennis legend, has been impressed by Raducanu’s resilience. Although he has faced his own share of challenges and attention, Hewett believes that Raducanu’s experiences in the spotlight are far more intense. In a recent interview with Tennis365, Hewett spoke about his admiration for Raducanu and the challenges she has faced since her breakthrough victory.
“You don’t really know how it feels to suddenly get publicity until you get there and it happens to you,” Hewett said. “I’ve had a bit of spotlight on me in recent years, but it’s minuscule to what she must have gone through, and it can’t be easy.” Hewett’s comments highlight the enormous pressure that Raducanu has been under since her US Open triumph. The expectations surrounding her career have been enormous, and Hewett acknowledges the difficulties that come with such sudden fame.
“Success can change your future, but it also provides challenges when you win a big title like that,” Hewett continued. “It seems like she has come through a rollercoaster since that, but no one will ever take away from her that she won a Grand Slam.” Hewett makes an important point here—no matter what challenges Raducanu faces in the future, her US Open victory will always be a significant achievement in her career. The fact that she won a Grand Slam as a teenager, under such immense pressure, is a testament to her talent and mental strength. While the expectations on her have only grown since then, Hewett believes that Raducanu is now handling these pressures more effectively.
“Whatever happens in the future, that can never be overlooked, and people’s expectations may have changed after that, but you have to realize where she was in her career at that point,” Hewett added. He acknowledged that when Raducanu won the US Open, she had not played many professional events, and the sudden spotlight was bound to bring challenges. However, Hewett believes that Raducanu is now better equipped to manage these pressures, and her future in the sport looks bright.
Hewett also expressed confidence that Raducanu’s US Open victory may not be her only Grand Slam success. He believes that she has the ability to achieve more in the future, particularly at Wimbledon, where she has shown glimpses of her potential. “Emma has a real chance to have a big year,” Hewett said. “She has proven that when she is fit, healthy, and strong and can get to the end of tournaments, she is definitely up there with some of the best in the game.” Hewett’s optimism is based on Raducanu’s undeniable talent and her ability to compete at the highest level when she is fully fit and in form.
“I think it’s possible that she could win Wimbledon one day,” Hewett added. “She had a great run there this year. She has got all the ingredients in her game, and she’s done it before, so why not?” Hewett’s words will surely inspire Raducanu, who has always dreamed of winning Wimbledon, the tournament that holds a special place in the hearts of British tennis fans. While she has yet to claim the prestigious title, her recent performances at the All England Club have shown that she has the ability to compete with the best on grass.
Raducanu herself has acknowledged that staying fit and healthy will be key to her success in 2025. She has spoken about her determination to avoid injuries next year and is reportedly in discussions to hire fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously worked with top players like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer,” Raducanu said. “This year I got to top 60 in the world, but I played, I think, less than 15 events. I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further.”
Raducanu is focused on reaching her full potential. She believes that her athleticism is one of her greatest strengths, but she feels it is still far from its full potential. “I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and I am ready to commit to doing that,” she said. Raducanu’s commitment to improving her fitness and training for the challenges ahead is a positive sign for her fans, as she works towards achieving her goals in 2025.
While many players may be winding down their season, Raducanu feels that she is just beginning to hit her stride. “I’m not really looking to have any more time off,” she said, expressing her eagerness to continue training and preparing for the year ahead. “I’m just looking forward to competing here this week and taking however this goes and improving on it for next year.” This mindset shows Raducanu’s determination to keep improving and to build on the progress she has made in 2024.
In conclusion, Emma Raducanu’s journey has been one of ups and downs, but her determination and resilience have been evident throughout. With the support of figures like Alfie Hewett, who believes in her potential to win Wimbledon and achieve even greater success, Raducanu is poised to continue her rise in the tennis world. By focusing on her fitness, maintaining her mental strength, and staying committed to her goals, there is no doubt that Raducanu has the talent and drive to reach new heights in 2025 and beyond.