Emma Raducanu is preparing for an exciting 2025 season, aiming to overcome the challenges that have defined her journey in recent years. Following a difficult 2023 season marked by injuries, Raducanu managed to win only 21 out of her 34 matches, a performance below her usual standards. As 2024 concludes, concerns about her form persist, but Raducanu is already working towards a fresh start. She has begun early preseason training and has enlisted the guidance of a new coach.
Reflecting on her decision to skip a traditional holiday break, Raducanu explained, “I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don’t really need any more time off.” This follows her withdrawal from the Korea Open due to a foot injury, which sidelined her during the Asian swing. Despite this setback, Raducanu impressed at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup, winning all her singles matches, although Great Britain fell short against Slovakia in the semi-finals.
In addressing her coaching situation, Raducanu has brought Yutaka Nakamura onto her team as her fitness coach. Nakamura, who has previously worked with stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, announced the partnership on social media, describing it as a “new beginning.” This development has sparked optimism about Raducanu’s prospects, with notable figures like Darren Cahill offering their support.
Raducanu’s partnership with Nakamura could prove transformative, particularly as she looks to break her three-year winless streak. She has faced significant physical challenges over the past year, including surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. Raducanu has acknowledged the need for consistency in her fitness regime, noting that physical preparation often took a back seat to her demanding schedule. By hiring Nakamura, she aims to prioritize her health and prepare for a heavier playing schedule in 2025.
During her preseason training at the LTA National Tennis Centre, Raducanu reflected on her mindset for the upcoming season. “Next year, what do I want for myself?” she pondered. Her injuries in 2024 served as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of staying injury-free. With Nakamura’s guidance, her primary focus will be maintaining her fitness and resilience against a competitive field that includes top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff.
After three years on the professional tour, Raducanu feels she has gained valuable experience in managing her commitments. Reflecting on her sudden rise to fame, she admitted, “I wasn’t prepared for it.” Now, with a renewed focus and a clear plan, she is determined to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
As Raducanu embarks on this new chapter with a fresh team and a determined mindset, the question remains: Can she silence her critics and return to the top in 2025? The road ahead will be challenging, but Raducanu’s resilience and preparation suggest she is ready to take on the competition. Only time will tell if this fresh start will mark the turning point in her career.