Emma Raducanu’s journey at the Queen’s Club Championships 2025 concluded in the quarter-finals with a defeat against top seed Qinwen Zheng. Despite a valiant effort, the British No. 1’s performance was overshadowed by concerns regarding a recurring back spasm, casting a shadow over her upcoming Wimbledon preparations.
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Raducanu entered the Queen’s Club Championships with high hopes, especially after a commanding victory over Rebecca Sramkova in the second round. This win propelled her into the quarter-finals and secured her return to the British No. 1 ranking. However, the recurring back spasms, which had previously troubled her in Strasbourg, resurfaced, impacting her performance against Zheng.
In her quarter-final match against Zheng, Raducanu displayed resilience, taking a medical timeout after the first set to address the discomfort. She even started the second set strongly, gaining a 3-0 lead. However, Zheng’s experience and powerful game proved too much to handle, as she clawed her way back to win the set and the match, 6-2, 6-4.
Raducanu’s Statement on Her Injury
Following her defeat, Raducanu addressed the media, expressing her concerns about the injury. She acknowledged that the back spasm had hindered her grass court preparations and admitted uncertainty about its future impact.
“I can’t really predict the future, and how it’s going to be,” Raducanu stated. “I know I’ve been managing my back for the last few weeks now. It can be frustrating… But I try not to let it get to me. I just have to manage it and take care of it when things happen.”
Despite the setback, Raducanu remained determined to manage the injury and continue her preparations for the upcoming tournaments, including the Berlin Open and the Lexus Eastbourne Open, leading up to Wimbledon.
The Impact on Wimbledon Preparations
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning, with Wimbledon just around the corner. Raducanu’s limited time on the grass court due to the back issue has undoubtedly affected her preparations.
“My expectations, truthfully, are pretty low because as I said, I played points for the first time today,” she admitted before the Queen’s Club tournament. “I’ve had maybe like, two, three days on the grass court, so it’s not been much. But I just have to take it as it goes. I know that I’m doing what I can and I’ve dealt with everything as best as I can.”
With a packed schedule ahead, including tournaments in Berlin and Eastbourne, Raducanu will need to carefully manage her back issue to ensure she is in the best possible condition for Wimbledon.
A Look Back at Raducanu’s Queen’s Club Campaign
Despite the injury concerns, Raducanu’s performance at the Queen’s Club Championships showcased her potential and determination. Her dominant victory over Cristina Bucsa in the earlier rounds demonstrated her improved form and mental fortitude.
Raducanu’s emotional regulation during matches changed in 2025; the game face remains on, and the faults remain down.
Her 78% first-serve victory percentage, forehand consistency, and smart slice utilization were particularly noteworthy, highlighting her refined game and strategic approach.
Coaching Updates and Support System
Amidst the injury concerns, Raducanu also provided updates on her coaching situation. Mark Petchey will continue in his part-time role, alongside the return of Nick Cavaday to her coaching setup. Cavaday, who had previously left Raducanu’s camp after the Australian Open due to health reasons, has reunited with the young star.
Raducanu expressed her happiness at having both Petchey and Cavaday supporting her, citing their wealth of experience and complementary coaching styles as crucial factors in her development. With a strong support system in place, Raducanu is gearing up for the challenges ahead and remains optimistic about her future in the sport.
The Road Ahead
As Raducanu prepares for the upcoming grass court tournaments, including Wimbledon, her focus will be on managing her back injury and maximizing her time on the court. Her determination, combined with her strong support system and improved game, suggests that she is well-equipped to overcome this setback and continue her rise in the world of tennis.
While the injury casts a shadow of uncertainty over her Wimbledon campaign, Raducanu’s resilience and fighting spirit should not be underestimated. She is a formidable competitor, and with careful management of her injury, she has the potential to make a significant impact at the upcoming Grand Slam.
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