As the grass courts of Wimbledon prepare to host the world’s top tennis players from June 20 to July 13, 2025, all eyes are on Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British star who captured hearts with her 2021 US Open triumph. Yet, the former champion has sparked concern among fans with a candid admission about a persistent back injury that threatens her performance at the All England Club. “It’s very annoying,” Raducanu said, describing the recurring pain that has plagued her since the Strasbourg tournament earlier this year. Her vulnerability, both physical and mental, adds a layer of intrigue to her Wimbledon campaign, as she strives to balance recovery with the pressure of competing on home soil.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a mix of resilience and frustration. After a promising run at the HSBC Championships, where she reached the quarter-finals, she faced a formidable opponent in China’s Qinwen Zheng. The match ended in a 6-2, 6-4 defeat, with Zheng advancing to the semi-finals. In the post-match press conference, Raducanu opened up about the toll her schedule had taken on her body. “I have been struggling with my back since Strasbourg, and it’s just been something that’s been on and off,” she revealed. “I have been managing it pretty well over the last few weeks, but I guess as the week goes on and I have played five matches now, like, even if two were doubles, I think, yeah, it just tests it out.” The physical strain of a grueling season, compounded by her participation in both singles and doubles, has clearly pushed her to her limits.
The timing of her injury couldn’t be worse, with Wimbledon looming as a pivotal moment in her career. Raducanu, once ranked as high as No. 10 in the world, has slipped to 36th due to inconsistent results and injuries. Her back issues, which she described as “lingering for the last few weeks,” are not new—she has battled similar problems in the past. “I have had, like, back issues before,” she admitted, highlighting the recurring nature of her condition. This vulnerability adds uncertainty to her prospects at Wimbledon, where she hopes to replicate the magic of her 2021 US Open run. The British crowd, ever eager for a homegrown champion, will be watching closely, but Raducanu knows she must prioritize her health to compete at her best.
Despite the challenges, Raducanu remains optimistic about her growth. Reflecting on her recent performances, she noted the respect she’s earning from peers. “Compared to four years ago, I feel relaxed, I feel happy… enjoying the process of competing & getting better,” she said after a US Open match. Her losses to top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina in 2025 have been tough, but she sees them as learning opportunities. “When the very top play me, they have a point to prove that they’re there for a reason,” she observed, acknowledging the intensity of facing the sport’s elite.
Raducanu’s preparation for Wimbledon will hinge on her ability to manage her back pain. The physical demands of grass-court tennis, with its low bounces and quick movements, could exacerbate her condition, making recovery a priority. She has been working with her team to address the issue, but the road ahead is uncertain. “I just felt it, I think, as the load goes up,” she explained, underscoring the challenge of maintaining peak fitness during a packed schedule. Her determination to push through, coupled with her candidness about her struggles, paints a picture of a young athlete grappling with the pressures of stardom while striving for greatness.
As Wimbledon approaches, Raducanu’s journey is one of resilience and hope. Can she overcome her physical setbacks to shine on the sport’s grandest stage? Her fans, inspired by her 2021 heroics, believe she can. With her trademark grit and a renewed focus on recovery, Raducanu is ready to face the challenge, even if her back reminds her of her vulnerability. The tennis world waits to see if “The Nuke” can once again detonate on the grass courts of SW19.
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