In the sun-drenched courts of the Miami Open, Emma Raducanu has once again proven why she’s one of Britain’s brightest tennis stars. The 22-year-old sensation, who famously clinched the US Open title in 2021 as a qualifier, delivered a standout performance in 2025, reaching the quarter-finals of this prestigious WTA 1000 event. Her run included a thrilling victory over top-10 player Emma Navarro, marking her first time advancing so far in a tournament of this caliber. Yet, despite the defeat to Jessica Pegula in a gripping three-set battle, former British tennis icon Tim Henman sees this as a pivotal moment for Raducanu—a springboard to even greater heights. With her ranking set to climb back into the top 50 for the first time since 2022, Henman has pinpointed the one crucial step she must take next to solidify her resurgence.
Raducanu’s journey in Miami was nothing short of a rollercoaster. She kicked off with a commanding win over Sayaka Ishii, followed by the upset of the tournament against Navarro, a match that showcased her tenacity with a 7-6 third-set triumph. A walkover from McCartney Kessler and a straight-sets dismantling of Amanda Anisimova further fueled her momentum. By the time she faced Pegula, the fourth seed and eventual finalist, Raducanu had strung together four consecutive victories—a feat she hadn’t achieved since her fairy-tale run in New York four years ago. Though she fell 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, her performance was a testament to her growing prowess, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about her potential.
Henman, a former world No. 4 and a stalwart of British tennis, watched Raducanu’s campaign with keen interest. Reflecting on her progress, he emphasized that her recent success is no fluke but the fruit of relentless effort. “It’s been quite the start to 2025 for Great Britain’s star,” he observed, noting how she’s begun to re-establish herself among the elite after a challenging few years marked by injuries and inconsistent results. For Henman, the key to unlocking Raducanu’s full potential lies not in tweaking her forehand or hiring a new coach—though she’s parted ways with Vladimir Platenik after just one match—but in something far more foundational: building physical resilience.
“She’s almost had her career back to front,” Henman remarked, alluding to how Raducanu burst onto the scene with a Grand Slam title before her body had the chance to adapt to the grueling demands of the professional circuit. After her 2021 triumph, injuries—most notably to her wrists and ankle—derailed her momentum, forcing her to undergo surgeries and miss significant chunks of play. Now, with a renewed focus on fitness, Henman sees a shift. “Building physical resilience, I think, is the most important thing,” he asserted. “That’s what’s been lacking because qualifying and winning that slam without really having the foundation physically—her body was breaking down in competitions.”
Raducanu’s Miami run offered glimpses of this transformation. Her movement, both offensive and defensive, looked sharper than ever, a product of the hard yards she’s put in off the court. Against Navarro, she dug deep to turn the tide when her opponent served for the match, showcasing not just skill but stamina. Even in defeat to Pegula, she fought valiantly, clinching a tiebreak in the second set before fatigue set in. “I just felt really dizzy,” she admitted afterward, citing the humid conditions and long rallies as factors in her third-set struggles. Yet, her ability to regroup and push a top player to the brink speaks volumes about her growth.
For Henman, this consistency in competing—staying injury-free and stringing together matches—is the cornerstone of Raducanu’s next chapter. “When she talks about having fun and being authentic, that gives her the opportunity of expressing herself on the court,” he said, praising her unorthodox approach to coaching changes and her comfort in doing things her way. While he thrived on continuity with just three coaches over his 15-year career, he respects that Raducanu’s path differs. “She’s very comfortable changing that up,” he noted, suggesting that her adaptability could be a strength as she navigates the tour.
As Raducanu prepares for the clay season, Henman’s advice is clear: keep the focus on fitness. With a new full-time trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, by her side, she’s already laying the groundwork. If she can avoid the physical setbacks that plagued her past, Henman believes the results will follow. “She’s too good for the wins not to come,” he declared, echoing a sentiment shared by many who’ve watched her electrify courts from Flushing Meadows to Miami. For now, Raducanu’s Miami success isn’t just a highlight—it’s a promise of what’s to come, provided she heeds the wisdom of a British tennis legend and keeps her body as strong as her spirit.
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