While the 2021 US Open was a turning point for Emma Raducanu, things didn’t quite go according to the plans ever since. Following her maiden Grand Slam win, Raducanu has failed to make it beyond the fourth round at the major level. While the Briton has struggled with a lot of injuries, she has suffered poor form as well. After her US Open win in 2021, Raducanu was dubbed to win major titles in other countries. However, she has failed to do so ever since and even made a shocking revelation about her chances next season.
To put it straight, a fourth-round appearance at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is the best result that Raducanu has achieved at the Grand Slam level after her US Open win. Let alone winning a title, she has performed inconsistently on the big stage. As a result, she isn’t much hopeful about winning a Grand Slam title in 2025.
Talking about her tennis goals for the next season, Emma Raducanu revealed, “Initially when I first started, before I won the US Open, my main reason was: ‘I want to win a grand slam’. And that happened so young. I’m so grateful for it. But as soon as that happens, I’m like, ‘OK, well what now? I want to win another grand slam’. It’s just not sustainable.”
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via Reuters Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 20, 2022 Britain’s Emma Raducanu reacts during her second round match against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Further, she went on to add, “Because, when you don’t win another grand slam straight away, you get frustrated with that. Now, the reason I play is genuine. I really enjoy what I’m doing, how I’m working, the people I’m working with.”
On the contrary, former World Number 4, Tim Henman feels that Raducanu has got what it takes to compete at the highest level and challenge for big titles like Grand Slams. “If she can increase that volume and she can play more of the bigger tournaments, I see absolutely no doubt in her ranking improving and in her competing for the biggest and best titles,” Henman said.
Despite Emma Raducanu not being confident about winning a major title next season, she is still in a positive frame of mind as she is back to full fitness.
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Emma Raducanu is back to full fitness
After winning her maiden Grand Slam title in New York, injuries have plagued Raducanu’s career. A combination of wrist and ankle injuries forced her out for the majority of the 2023 season. Subsequently, she wasn’t able to get back to full fitness completely and suffered a foot injury during the Korea Open. However, ahead of the 2025 season, Emma Raducanu gave an assuring statement to her fans.
She said, “I feel like I’m in a pretty good place to get on court as much as I can. I feel really strong. I feel really fit. The only thing I can’t really speak for is I haven’t played that many matches. On the training court I feel amazing. I feel like I’m running around, throwing myself around on the court, but it’s different playing matches. I played a few (at Billie Jean King Cup) and I felt good. I felt like I recovered well. I wasn’t tiring in the matches. It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react.”
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Further, Raducanu wants to increase the intensity of her game and wants to play as many matches as she can next year. If she does that and regains her top form, her fans might be in for a treat.