Raducanu in great spirits ahead of her Auckland comeback.
Emma Raducanu feels “reborn” ahead of her return to tennis as the British tennis star admits she felt the weight on her shoulders two years after her historic 2021 US Open win.
After becoming the first-ever player in tennis history to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier, Raducanu started battling various injuries and physical setbacks. Naturally, dealing with constant injuries and physical setbacks very negatively impacted Raducanu’s results and form.
In May, Raducanu decided to put an end to her agony as she decided to have surgeries on both wrists and her right ankle. The 21-year-old Briton has since recovered and her comeback is set to start at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
“Yeah, I feel reborn in a way. I feel fresh, I feel ready, I feel happy, I feel excited. So overall, I’m feeling very positive and lighter. I think that for two years after the US Open, I felt maybe a bit more like weight on my shoulders, but now I feel completely fresh,” Raducanu told media in Auckland.
Raducanu draws a qualifier
On Saturday, the Auckland main draw was released. Raducanu, a former world No. 10, will be clashing against a qualifier in her Auckland opener.
When Raducanu takes to the court in Auckland, she will be making her second appearance at the tournament. 12 months earlier, Raducanu debuted in Auckland. In her Auckland debut, Raducanu won her opening match before rolling her ankle in her round-of-16 match and retiring injured.
Considering that Raducanu hasn’t played in a really long time, it’s tough to say where her current level is and if she will be able to contend for the title in Auckland. But the result itself probably won’t be the most important thing for Raducanu in Auckland, who will be hoping to stay pain-free and avoid any setbacks in her first tournament back.
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