Emma Raducanu, once tennis’s brightest new star, has endured a season filled with obstacles, from persistent injuries to the ever-growing pressures of fame. The young British sensation, who rose to global prominence with her 2021 US Open win, has struggled in the two years since to regain that breakthrough form. Plagued by injuries and lacking consistency, the current World No.55 remains a cautionary tale of the complexities that can come with early success.
For fans and experts, 2024 was expected to be Raducanu’s comeback year, her shot at securing a place among the WTA’s elite. But with a season that saw no WTA finals appearances and a record marred by absences, those expectations were quickly dashed. While she pulled off impressive wins over top players Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari, Raducanu’s season overall was disappointing. Adding to the scrutiny, Raducanu faced criticism this summer after pulling out of a highly anticipated mixed doubles match with ATP great Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
Most recently, Raducanu was set to compete at the WTA event in Hong Kong but had to withdraw due to ongoing physical issues. Posting on social media, she explained, “Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit. I hope to come back and play this tournament in the future.”
As fans and analysts look back on her whirlwind rise and challenging career trajectory, many see a need for stability in her team and her mental approach to regain the momentum she had at Flushing Meadows in 2021. A revolving door of coaches hasn’t provided her with the foundation she needs, and Raducanu herself admitted in a recent interview that injuries, in particular, have slowed her progress.
Reflecting on a difficult year, Raducanu said, “In 2023, I had three operations and was out of the circuit for eight months. Recovery was slower than expected, and returning too soon caused more damage. This has taught me patience—I’ve learned that rushing only hinders progress.” Now, as she eyes a possible comeback for the Billie Jean King Cup, Raducanu is focusing on rebuilding her health.
Former World No.1 and WTA legend Kim Clijsters weighed in on Raducanu’s challenges, suggesting that either inadequate support or mental strain from external pressures could be holding her back. Clijsters commented, “Maybe she doesn’t have the right guidance, or maybe there are mental struggles around media or pressure. Either way, her team should be providing better structure.”
For Raducanu, finding consistency will be critical to her return. Fans and experts alike hope that 2025 will finally see her potential realized, with stability and health guiding her path back to the WTA’s upper ranks. As the young star heads into the offseason, the focus will be on patience, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose—elements that could help her reclaim the form that dazzled the world just a few short years ago.
