Emma Raducanu’s journey since her improbable 2021 US Open victory has been a rollercoaster, marked by injuries, coaching changes, and fluctuating form. As she navigates the 2025 season, the question on everyone’s mind is: can she recapture that Grand Slam magic? A former world No. 1 has weighed in, offering a candid assessment of Raducanu’s chances.
The Courier’s Perspective: A Dose of Reality
Jim Courier, a four-time Grand Slam champion himself, recently shared his thoughts on Raducanu’s prospects. Speaking on the Tennis Channel, Courier acknowledged the challenges Raducanu faces, particularly on clay courts. “No one’s expecting her to play well on clay; it’s not a natural surface for her,” Courier stated . This blunt assessment reflects the general sentiment that Raducanu’s game is better suited to faster surfaces like grass and hard courts.
Courier’s comments come at a time when Raducanu is working with coach Mark Petchey. Courier expressed hope that the partnership would extend through the grass-court season, where Raducanu has previously shown promise . He noted that Petchey has already begun making adjustments to her service motion, aiming to improve her disguise and power .
Raducanu’s 2025 Season So Far: A Mixed Bag
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows. She started the year reaching the third round of the Australian Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek . However, she also suffered disappointing first-round losses in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar .
In March, Raducanu recorded her best result at a WTA 1000 event, reaching the quarter-finals of the Miami Open . This impressive run propelled her back into the world’s top 50 for the first time since September 2022 . However, her clay-court season has been challenging. She lost to Coco Gauff in the fourth round of the Italian Open . At the Strasbourg Open, she suffered an injury scare, needing treatment on her back during a loss to Danielle Collins .
Currently, Emma Raducanu is ranked No. 43 in the world (as of May 19, 2025) . Her career-high ranking was No. 10, achieved in July 2022 .
French Open 2025: An Uphill Battle?
As the French Open approaches, Raducanu faces a tough challenge. She is set to play against Wang Xinyu in the first round, who previously defeated her at Wimbledon in 2021 . Awaiting her in the second round could be Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion .
Given her limited experience and struggles on clay, Raducanu’s chances at Roland Garros appear slim. However, as Courier pointed out, the focus should be on using the clay-court season to develop her game and prepare for the upcoming grass-court season .
The Road Ahead: Focusing on Development and Fitness
Raducanu herself has acknowledged the need to focus on development rather than immediate results. “I want to work on becoming a better tennis player,” she said in a recent interview . “I think, for me, I’m not too concerned about this year’s tournaments. A lot of people out there would say that I need matches, but I think that for me, I want to work on my game and development” .
New Coaching and Fitness Team
To aid in her development, Raducanu has brought on a new fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously worked with Grand Slam champions like Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova . “I think building a body, that’s a continuous process,” Raducanu said . “I think it’s not something that you necessarily put a timeline on. Even when you’re a top athlete, there’s always things you can do better. But I think I do already feel a difference when I step on the court” .
Overcoming Injuries
Raducanu’s career has been hampered by injuries, including surgeries on both wrists and an ankle . However, she seems determined to put those setbacks behind her. “I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don’t really need any more time off,” Raducanu said . “If anything, I’m excited and just itching to get on the practice court, and of course seeing some of my performances this week, it just incentivises me to do more work” .
Former World No.1s’ Advice
Other former world No. 1s have also offered their insights into Raducanu’s situation. Martina Hingis emphasized the importance of stability and the right surroundings . “If you have the right surroundings, I think that’s really important,” Hingis said . “It would be nice for her to find the way and to find her success again. She’s got the shots, she’s the whole package, but you still need the results” .
Andy Roddick expressed bewilderment at Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from events after a strong performance in Miami . He questioned the rationale behind interrupting her momentum and urged her to stick to a consistent strategy .
Can Raducanu Reclaim Grand Slam Glory?
The question remains: can Emma Raducanu recapture the form that led her to that improbable US Open title? While Jim Courier’s assessment suggests that another Grand Slam victory on clay is unlikely, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of success on other surfaces.
Raducanu possesses undeniable talent and a strong work ethic . If she can stay healthy, maintain a consistent coaching relationship, and continue to develop her game, she has the potential to once again compete at the highest level.
Grass-Court Season: A Reason for Optimism?
The upcoming grass-court season could provide Raducanu with an opportunity to showcase her skills . Her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021 demonstrated her ability to perform well on grass . With a favorable draw and some momentum, she could make a deep run at SW19.
The Mental Game
Ultimately, Raducanu’s success will depend not only on her physical abilities but also on her mental fortitude. As she admitted, the weight of expectation has weighed heavily on her shoulders . However, she now seems to be in a place where she can focus more on herself and her development .
“I’m top 60 in the world and I have played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, in a way,” Raducanu said . “I have to pat myself on the back for that. I know I’m a dangerous player. I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that, and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year” .
Conclusion
Emma Raducanu’s journey is far from over. While the former world No. 1’s comments offer a realistic perspective on her Grand Slam hopes, they also highlight her potential for growth and improvement. As she continues to work on her game and overcome challenges, Raducanu has the opportunity to write a new chapter in her career and prove that she can once again compete with the best in the world.
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