WTA legend and trailblazer Billie Jean King has offered key advice to Emma Raducanu, emphasizing that the path to unlocking her full potential and achieving long-term success lies in maintaining her health and practicing patience. Since her historic victory at the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu made waves as the first-ever qualifier to capture a Grand Slam title, the young Briton’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, primarily due to persistent injuries. Raducanu, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on Wednesday, has not claimed another title since that memorable victory in New York. However, it’s important to recognize that her career trajectory has been heavily influenced by a series of injuries, including surgeries to repair both wrists and an ankle.
Raducanu’s return to the tour following her surgeries at the beginning of 2024 has shown promise, signaling a potential turning point. Yet, her path has not been entirely smooth. Throughout this year, she has dealt with various minor injuries, and a foot issue kept her sidelined for two months before her recent appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals on Friday.
Reflecting on Raducanu’s situation, King shared her thoughts with BBC Sport, highlighting the importance of giving athletes the necessary time to fully recover and regain their form. “If she can stay healthy long enough, then we’ll see how good she is. But if you keep getting injured, you never get that momentum going,” King said. “If you’ve been injured – really injured – I always want to give a player at least a year and a half to recover. It takes a lot to come back from injury, and you have got to be very patient.”
**Raducanu’s Focus on 2025 and Future Aspirations**
Raducanu is already looking ahead with determination, outlining her main objective for the 2025 season: to remain consistently on the court. While she managed to steer clear of major injuries in 2024, sporadic absences from the tour have been a recurring theme. As part of her efforts to build a more resilient and robust game, Raducanu is reportedly in talks to hire renowned coach Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously worked with former champions Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. With this new coaching partnership, she plans to prioritize building her strength and fitness to enhance her chances of competing more frequently and effectively.
“My goal next year is to stay on court longer,” Raducanu explained during her time in Malaga. “This year I reached the top 60 in the world rankings, but I think I played in less than 15 events. I know that if I’m on court, healthy, and competing regularly, I can go even higher and further. I believe my athleticism is one of my strengths, but I also know it hasn’t reached its full potential yet. I’m excited to push those boundaries and fully commit to that journey.”
In 2024, Raducanu participated in a total of 13 tournaments, not including her appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup. Although her limited schedule may have hindered her progress in the rankings, it is a testament to her resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles. With the right guidance and a focus on long-term health, she has the potential to reestablish herself among the top players on the tour.
**Health Challenges and the Road Ahead**
Raducanu’s struggle to stay injury-free has undoubtedly slowed her momentum, but it’s worth noting that overcoming adversity is a hallmark of many great athletes. King’s reminder about the need for patience is especially pertinent. Returning to peak performance after serious injuries is a process that demands both mental and physical endurance. For Raducanu, the challenge lies not only in building her physical strength but also in maintaining her confidence and composure on the court, knowing that setbacks may arise.
The addition of a seasoned coach like Nakamura could mark a turning point in her career. With expertise in managing elite talent, Nakamura may help Raducanu develop a tailored training and competition regimen that prioritizes injury prevention while enhancing her game. This strategic approach could enable her to find a balance between pushing her limits and safeguarding her health.
As Raducanu sets her sights on staying active throughout the upcoming season, her fans and supporters remain hopeful. Her remarkable athleticism and innate talent are clear, but the key to unlocking her full potential lies in sustained health and consistent performance. If she can achieve that balance, there is no telling how far she can go.
The tennis world continues to watch Raducanu’s journey with keen interest, and her story serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with professional sports. With patience, perseverance, and the right support system, Raducanu could once again rise to the pinnacle of the sport, delivering on the immense promise she showed in that unforgettable 2021 season. For now, the focus remains on recovery, growth, and seizing every opportunity to showcase her talent on the global stage.