Emma Raducanu is demonstrating resilience in the 2025 season, keeping her head high despite ongoing struggles. Since her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open, which remains her only WTA title, she has faced numerous challenges, including foot injuries, back spasms, and surgeries on her wrist and ankle. These issues extended into 2024, forcing her to withdraw from the Korea Open. Though 2025 was meant to be her comeback year, injuries continued to interfere with her plans.
At the start of the season, Raducanu withdrew from the Auckland Open due to a minor back issue. She later competed at the Australian Open, where she reached the third round before being eliminated by Iga Swiatek. Seeking better results, she accepted wildcards for tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar but was unable to secure a win in any of them, suffering first-round exits.
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu remains optimistic. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has received, stating that she is determined to fight and give her best effort. Her perseverance was rewarded at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where she secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Maria Sakkari. This win not only ended her recent losing streak but also reaffirmed her ability to compete against top players, as she now holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Sakkari.
Raducanu attributes much of her positive mindset to the support system around her. She acknowledged the unwavering belief of those close to her, particularly mentioning Jane O’Donoghue, who has been a mentor to her for many years. Earlier in the season, she parted ways with coach Nick Cavaday, opting instead to work with O’Donoghue, a decision that appears to be positively influencing her mentality.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is set to face Karolina Muchova in the round of 32 in Dubai. The two have never played against each other before, but Raducanu’s recent boost in confidence may give her an advantage. Beyond Dubai, she will continue competing in high-profile events, including the HSBC Championships in June 2025, where she will join top players such as Madison Keys and Katie Boulter.
The HSBC Championships will mark the return of elite women’s tennis to Queen’s Club in London after more than fifty years. The event is set to feature a strong lineup, including former world No.1 Naomi Osaka and Russian world No.11 Daria Kasatkina. Organizers anticipate an exciting competition, with Raducanu viewing it as an important opportunity to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon. With signs that her form is improving, the tournament could serve as the perfect stage for a strong grass-court season.
As Raducanu works to rebuild her career, many are speculating whether her renewed confidence and recent improvements could lead her back to Grand Slam success. While injuries have disrupted her progress, her latest performances suggest that she is determined to compete at the highest level once again.