In the electrifying world of professional tennis, few stories captivate as much as Emma Raducanu’s journey. The 22-year-old British star, who stunned the globe in 2021 by clinching the US Open as a qualifier, continues to be a beacon of hope and potential. Despite a recent third-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, former British No. 1 Tim Henman has thrown his weight behind Raducanu, declaring her a “much better player” than she was during her historic Grand Slam triumph four years ago. His bold endorsement underscores her growth, resilience, and untapped potential as she gears up for the hardcourt swing in America.
Raducanu’s Wimbledon campaign this year was a testament to her evolving prowess. She stormed into the third round with a commanding straight-sets victory over 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, showcasing the poise and power that once propelled her to global stardom. Facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Raducanu delivered a performance brimming with grit, pushing the top seed to her limits in a gripping 7-6, 6-4 defeat. The match was a showcase of Raducanu’s ability to compete on the biggest stages, as she created break points early and nearly snatched the first set. Sabalenka herself acknowledged the Brit’s tenacity, predicting that Raducanu would soon return to the top 10, a sentiment echoed by the roaring Centre Court crowd.
Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist and a mentor to Raducanu during her 2021 US Open run, sees her recent performances as evidence of significant growth. “She’s a much better player than she was in 2021 because she’s had four more years of experience and now she’s started to build more of a team around her,” he said. He highlighted her increased physical resilience, a critical factor given her injury-plagued years following her US Open triumph. “She’s been competing so much more this year, which emphasizes the physical resilience she’s got because she was always getting injuries.” This newfound durability, coupled with her undeniable talent, has Henman convinced that consistent results are on the horizon.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a tale of redemption. After surgeries on both wrists and an ankle in 2023, she has clawed her way back to a world ranking of No. 45, a remarkable feat given her limited play in recent years. Her three top-10 wins in the past 13 months, including a standout victory over Emma Navarro at the Miami Open, signal a return to form. Henman emphasized the importance of her active schedule, noting, “If she keeps doing the right things on the practice court, the results will come on the match court because she’s that good a player.” Her Wimbledon performance, particularly her ability to challenge Sabalenka, has fueled optimism for her upcoming campaign in Washington and the US Open.
The road hasn’t been without challenges. Raducanu faced criticism for her scheduling choices, such as skipping French Open qualifying to focus on grass courts, a decision that paid dividends with strong showings in Nottingham and Eastbourne. Yet, her commitment to playing more matches—14 tournaments this year compared to 13 in 2024—demonstrates a strategic shift toward building match-play experience. Henman, a vocal supporter, dismissed detractors, asserting, “If she stays healthy, the results will follow.” He pointed to her improved physicality and technical prowess, particularly on grass, where her game thrives.
As Raducanu prepares for the American hardcourt season, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Her ability to go toe-to-toe with the best, as seen at Wimbledon, suggests she’s on the cusp of another breakthrough. “She had a really good chance to win that match,” Henman reflected on her clash with Sabalenka, “and I’m sure that will motivate her now moving onto the hardcourt swing in America to keep building.” With a bolstered team and a renewed focus on consistency, Raducanu’s journey is one of resilience and promise. As she steps onto the courts of Washington and beyond, the young Brit carries not just the weight of expectation but the belief of legends like Henman, who see her destined for more Grand Slam glory.
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