I’ve spoken to Emma Raducanu’s team-mates, this is how her comeback could go’

Emma Raducanu’s Comeback: Insights from Her Team-Mates on What Lies Ahead

After a challenging year plagued by injuries and setbacks, Emma Raducanu is gearing up for what many hope will be a triumphant comeback to the WTA circuit. The British tennis star, who made a sensational run to the 2021 US Open title as a wildcard, has struggled to replicate that form due to various physical issues, including wrist and ankle injuries. However, her team-mates on the tour, as well as close associates, are optimistic that Raducanu’s resilience and talent will see her bounce back in the near future.

Raducanu’s remarkable US Open victory stunned the tennis world, making her the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam. Since then, the expectations on her have been sky-high. But the transition from a breakout champion to a consistent top-tier player has proven to be more difficult than anticipated. Injury concerns, coupled with the pressures of managing newfound fame and the demands of the professional circuit, have led to her struggles in maintaining form. As a result, Raducanu has faced months of frustration, often watching from the sidelines as her peers continue to rise.

Yet, talking to some of her team-mates on tour reveals an entirely different narrative—a belief that Raducanu is far from done and has the tools to stage a successful return.

“I think everyone on tour knows how talented Emma is,” says British player Harriet Dart, a frequent practice partner of Raducanu. “When she’s healthy, her game is up there with the best. The hard part for her has been staying injury-free, but I know how much she wants to get back on the court and prove herself. She’s been working really hard behind the scenes with her team, and you can see the determination in her eyes. It’s only a matter of time before she gets back to her best.”

Raducanu’s training regimen has reportedly been rigorous. While she’s been sidelined with various injuries, Raducanu has kept herself in shape with a mix of fitness training, physiotherapy, and mental conditioning. Sources close to her suggest that she is focusing on the fundamentals, working on her fitness, her serve, and refining her movement. Raducanu’s team has placed significant emphasis on preventing injuries going forward, with a more tailored fitness program designed to increase her strength and resilience for the demands of the tour.

One of Raducanu’s long-time friends and fellow player, Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who also experienced a breakout year in 2021 before encountering challenges of her own, spoke candidly about her journey. “It’s not easy coming back after a big achievement like Emma’s,” Fernandez shared. “The pressure is immense, and injuries make it harder. But I know she’s got the heart of a champion. I believe she will bounce back stronger than ever. She’s just so focused and determined. When Emma is 100% fit, she has all the shots, and the mental toughness to go with it.”

Beyond physical preparation, Raducanu’s mental approach will be key to her success. Having dealt with a whirlwind of media attention and expectations, she has matured into a more mentally resilient player. “She’s learned a lot from her experiences,” said another close associate. “She’s a lot more grounded now, and she’s really focused on taking things one step at a time.”

Raducanu’s ultimate goal, according to insiders, is to regain her consistency and fitness, something that’s been missing in her career post-2021. Her comeback could begin with a slower schedule, starting with lower-tier events to rebuild confidence and match fitness before targeting the bigger tournaments again. The goal is clear: to get back to the top and challenge for the biggest titles once more.

While her time away from the court has been frustrating, Emma Raducanu’s comeback story is still unfolding, and those closest to her are convinced that the best is yet to come. With a more mature outlook and a clear focus on her long-term career, Raducanu’s potential remains boundless, and her return to form may be closer than many expect.