Emma Raducanu turns 22, and if there’s one wish she would undoubtedly hold dear, it’s for a fitter and stronger version of herself as she eyes the 2025 season. The past year has been challenging for the British tennis star, as injuries and struggles with form have taken their toll. Most recently, she has been sidelined since September after spraining ligaments in her foot during the Korea Open. As fans eagerly await her return to peak fitness, Raducanu’s health and well-being remain top priorities on her wishlist. But amid these concerns, there is also a moment to celebrate: a heartfelt birthday message from close friend and fellow tennis star Paula Badosa.
Raducanu has often made her birthday celebrations a light-hearted affair with friends and fans. In 2022, she marked her 20th birthday at the Four Seasons Hotel, sharing moments with friends and posting a few pictures on social media. She captioned one of the posts on X, formerly Twitter, with a simple “20 thank you for the bday wishes.” The following year, Raducanu celebrated turning 21 at a renowned sushi restaurant in London. This time, she took to Instagram, sharing snapshots of the occasion and expressing gratitude despite a tough year. “Turned 21 with the best ♥️ thank you so much for all the sweet wishes. Regardless of a challenging year, there’s a lot to be grateful for. Looking forward to the next chapter 🐎,” she wrote.
This year, while Raducanu has not yet posted any photos from her 22nd birthday, her close friend Paula Badosa ensured the day didn’t go unnoticed. Badosa shared an Instagram story featuring a picture of the two on the tennis court, captioned, “Happy bday Emmita @emmaraducanu.” The bond between Raducanu and Badosa is well-known among tennis fans. Earlier in the year, Raducanu revealed that they even have special nicknames for one another. She posted photos from a training session with Badosa, playfully captioned “Paulita and Emmita.” Their genuine friendship is a reminder of the supportive camaraderie that can exist even in the fiercely competitive world of professional tennis.
This deep connection between the two players extends beyond social media banter. Both have spoken openly about the pressures and expectations they face as elite athletes. Before facing off in the 2024 Citi Open, Raducanu described Badosa as “such a good tennis player” and noted their frequent practice sessions together. “Yeah, obviously very good friends with Paula. I know she’s such a good tennis player. I practice with her. She’s hitting the ball really, really big, really good,” Raducanu remarked. Badosa, too, has praised her British counterpart, revealing that they often chat and support each other in navigating the public and media scrutiny that comes with their careers.
During the Citi Open, Raducanu and Badosa were even practice partners, which added a touch of familiarity and warmth to their competitive encounters. Reflecting on their off-court interactions, Badosa shared, “We went for lunch, for breakfast. We spoke a lot about how tough it is to deal with all these expectations – especially in her case. I had a little bit of the same in my career. Especially when you feel that anything you do, it’s going to be crazy on social media. In her case, it’s like that. I think she’s dealing with it pretty well now.” Badosa’s empathy and support have undoubtedly helped Raducanu navigate difficult moments in her career, particularly as she deals with ongoing injuries.
The warmth between the two has been evident on numerous occasions. When Badosa shared photos from a La Vanguardia photoshoot, Raducanu was quick to comment with “Daaamnnn girl,” showcasing their playful rapport. During an October Q&A session with fans, when asked to describe Raducanu in three words, Badosa chose “Strong, fighter, and beautiful.” This mutual admiration reflects the respect and encouragement that both players offer each other as they navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis.
Raducanu’s journey over the past few years has been anything but smooth. The young star burst onto the scene with a remarkable U.S. Open victory in 2021 but has since faced a string of injuries that have interrupted her momentum. Yet, she remains a fighter—a trait evident in her determination to return stronger. As she turns 22, fans hope to see the tenacious and fearless Raducanu back on the court, delivering the kind of thrilling performances that made her a household name.
For now, Raducanu’s focus is on her next challenge—the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. After nearly seven weeks away from competition, her return is a highly anticipated moment for her fans. Raducanu’s camp recently confirmed that she has been training well and is ready to rejoin the British team. Sharing an update from Malaga, Raducanu posted a few pictures with teammates, captioning them, “Girls take Malaga.” Her bright smile in the photos spoke volumes, hinting at her excitement and optimism for what lies ahead.
Raducanu’s return to the BJK Cup is a crucial step in her comeback journey. She will be teaming up with Katie Boulter as Britain faces Germany in Spain. Earlier in the year, Raducanu played a pivotal role in securing her team’s qualification for the Finals with two key singles victories against France on clay. Her inclusion in the squad is a significant morale boost for the entire British camp, and fans eagerly anticipate what she will bring to the court. As she steps into this new chapter at 22, Raducanu’s resilience and unwavering spirit offer hope for a bright future filled with more triumphs and milestones.