Emma Raducanu is looking to make a strong comeback in the 2025 tennis season following years of injuries that have hindered her performance. The British star, who captured global attention with her 2021 US Open victory, is aiming to rediscover her best form by making adjustments to her training and fitness regimen.
A pivotal step in her journey is her partnership with her new fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura. The Japanese trainer has previously worked with Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova, bringing a wealth of experience to Raducanu’s team. Acknowledging the importance of this collaboration, Raducanu emphasized that building a strong athletic foundation is a continuous process. She stated that even the best athletes have areas to improve, adding that she already feels progress on the court, though she’s uncertain about how long it will take to reach her peak. She expressed confidence in her coach’s expertise and judgment.
“I’m very excited for the AO to start, I feel prepared”
Checking in with @EmmaRaducanu at the @AustralianOpen 😁🤳 pic.twitter.com/fYrtQU3sQQ
— LTA (@the_LTA) January 11, 2025
Raducanu’s past has been marred by persistent injuries, making it challenging for her to compete consistently. Since her WTA debut in 2018, she has only once participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments within a single season. Her injury concerns carried into the start of 2025, as she had to withdraw from the Auckland Open due to a back spasm. However, the issue was minor, and she has since recovered. She explained that the spasm occurred while warming up, disrupting her training for a few weeks. Fortunately, the last ten days leading up to the Australian Open allowed her to train effectively and prepare for the season’s first Grand Slam.
Raducanu ended her 2024 season on a high note by delivering a flawless performance for Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup. Her efforts helped her team reach the semi-finals in Málaga, Spain. Now, she is focused on building on that momentum as she takes on a challenging draw at the Australian Open, with potential opponents such as reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the early rounds.
Despite the hurdles ahead, Raducanu is brimming with self-belief. She shared that her recent practice sessions against top players have been promising, reinforcing her confidence in her game. She feels that her reactive and explosive playing style, enhanced by her intensive warm-up routines, makes her a formidable opponent. Raducanu is set to face the 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the opening round of the Australian Open, ready to prove her potential on the court once again.