At 22, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion who stunned the world as a qualifier, is set to return to the Korea Open in 2025 with a wild card entry, aiming to overcome her troubled history at the Seoul WTA 250 event. Starting September 15, 2025, at Olympic Park Tennis Centre, this tournament is a critical juncture for Raducanu, whose past appearances in Seoul have been marred by injuries. With her talent undeniable and recent form promising, fans are eager to see if this wild card will spark a triumphant comeback or add another chapter to her Seoul struggles.
Raducanu’s Korea Open journey began in 2022, post-US Open fame, when she entered ranked No. 77. She started impressively, defeating Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-4, but a glute injury forced her to retire in the second round against Yanina Wickmayer, trailing 6-3, 3-6, 0-2. “It’s really disappointing,” she said, frustrated by the abrupt end. In 2023, hopes were high, but another injury—a foot issue—halted her second-round match against Jessica Pegula, cementing Seoul as a challenging venue where injuries have overshadowed her potential.
Now, in 2025, the wild card offers Raducanu a shot at redemption. Ranked No. 71, she’s a threat to top seeds like Pegula, Daria Kasatkina, or 2024 champion Beatriz Haddad Maia. Her recent performances, including a 2025 Citi Open quarterfinal and a competitive three-setter against Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, suggest she’s rediscovering her form. Still, her injury history in Seoul raises concerns about her durability on the hard courts. “I’ve worked hard on my conditioning,” Raducanu said, signaling a focus on resilience.
Off the court, her star power shines with a £10 million net worth and endorsements from Nike, Dior, and Tiffany & Co. Yet, her focus is clear: “I’m here to compete and win.” Facing a tough field with players like Marta Kostyuk and Ekaterina Alexandrova, and with Seoul’s passionate fans watching, Raducanu’s wild card is more than an entry—it’s a chance to rewrite her Korea Open narrative. Can she transform past setbacks into triumph, or will Seoul remain her nemesis? All eyes are on her as the tournament unfolds.
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