Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is on the cusp of a remarkable resurgence, according to tennis legend and former world No. 1 Mats Wilander. The 22-year-old British star, whose meteoric rise captivated the world four years ago, has shown flashes of her championship form in 2025, prompting Wilander to predict a bold leap back into the WTA top 10 within a year or two. “We are looking at an Emma Raducanu that can break into the top 10 here in a year or two, in my eyes, and I’m pretty convinced that she will break into the best players in the world,” Wilander declared, his confidence rooted in Raducanu’s recent performances against elite competition. As she prepares for the 2025 US Open, Raducanu’s journey—marked by resilience, injuries, and a renewed focus—sets the stage for a thrilling comeback.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open triumph, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era, remains one of tennis’s most iconic fairy tales. At just 18, she stormed through Flushing Meadows without dropping a set, defeating top players like Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari before outclassing Leylah Fernandez in the final. The victory propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 10 in 2022, but the years since have been a rollercoaster of challenges. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, sidelined her for months, causing her ranking to plummet outside the top 300. Frequent coaching changes also drew scrutiny, with critics pointing to her transitions through multiple mentors. Yet, Wilander sees these struggles as stepping stones. “I would say that it was mismanaged immediately after the US Open because I know the coach that she had at the time did not stay on for very long,” he noted, suggesting that stability with her current coach, Francisco Roig, could be the key to her resurgence.
In 2025, Raducanu has shown undeniable signs of a comeback. Her standout performances include a quarter-final run at the Miami Open, where she pushed world No. 5 Jessica Pegula to the limit, and a semi-final appearance at the Washington Open, which saw her reclaim the British No. 1 ranking from Katie Boulter. Currently sitting at No. 34 in the WTA live rankings, Raducanu has climbed from No. 89 earlier this year, bolstered by victories over top-20 players like Daria Kasatkina on clay. Her recent matches against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, though losses, showcased her ability to compete with the best. “She’s not far behind the best in the women’s game,” Wilander emphasized, pointing to her improved consistency and physical resilience.
However, Wilander tempered his optimism with a caveat: while a top 10 return is within reach, another Grand Slam title remains a tougher question. “If we ask can she win another major? That’s another completely different question for another day,” he said. Raducanu’s injury-plagued past, including wrist operations and a back issue that required treatment during her 2025 Strasbourg Open loss to Danielle Collins, underscores the physical demands of sustaining elite-level play. Yet, her mental fortitude and tactical growth have been evident. Under Roig, a former coach to Rafael Nadal, Raducanu has honed her game, blending her natural aggression with smarter shot selection. Her straight-sets win over Ena Shibahara at the 2025 US Open marked her first victory at Flushing Meadows since her title run, boosting her confidence as she eyes a deep tournament run.
Raducanu’s journey reflects a player maturing under pressure. From her wildcard debut at Wimbledon 2021 to her current campaign, she has navigated the weight of expectations and external criticism. Now, with a stable coaching setup and a healthier body, she is poised to climb the rankings ladder. As she competes at the China Open in Beijing, starting September 24, 2025, Raducanu carries the hopes of a nation and the belief of a tennis great like Wilander. Her sights are set on cracking the top 20 by year’s end, with the potential to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
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