Raducanu’s Wimbledon Hopes Dented by Injury Concerns?

Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon preparations have been thrown into doubt after familiar injury concerns resurfaced during the grass-court season. The British No. 1, who recently reclaimed her position after Katie Boulter held it for almost two years, has been managing a persistent back issue that has impacted her performance and forced her to make some difficult decisions ahead of the prestigious tournament. As Wimbledon 2025 approaches, fans and pundits alike are left wondering whether Raducanu will be able to overcome her physical struggles and make a deep run at her home Grand Slam.

The Back Issue: A Recurring Problem

Raducanu’s back problem has been a recurring issue throughout the year, with the 22-year-old star admitting that it has been “on and off” since before the French Open in May. She had to take an off-court medical timeout and rely on painkillers during her quarter-final defeat to Zheng Qinwen at the Queen’s Club, a match where she had strapping placed on her back. “It’s been lingering for the last few weeks, and I have had back issues before,” Raducanu revealed. “It’s just a vulnerability of mine. I know I need to take good care of it.”

The back issue also forced Raducanu to withdraw from the Berlin Open, a grass-court event that many players use to prepare for Wimbledon. This decision has further complicated her chances of securing a seeded position at Wimbledon, as she will need a number of other players to withdraw to be awarded a coveted spot in the top 32.

Navigating “Good Days and Bad Days”

Despite the setback, Raducanu remains optimistic about her chances of competing at Wimbledon. She expressed her intention to participate in the Eastbourne International, a WTA 250 event held the week before Wimbledon, as a final tune-up before the Grand Slam. However, she acknowledged that she is taking things day by day, admitting to navigating “good days and bad days” with the injury.

Raducanu’s physical struggles were evident during her first-round match at Eastbourne against Wang Xinyu. She slipped and fell on the baseline towards the end of the first set, taking time to get back to her feet while appearing to clutch her hip. The match proved particularly demanding as she was forced to stoop repeatedly to return Li’s low, wind-whipped shots. Despite the physical challenges, Raducanu demonstrated her growing resilience this season, securing a second-round encounter with Australian teenager Maya Joint.

A History of Injury Woes

Raducanu’s injury concerns are not new. Since her breakout performance at Wimbledon 2021, where she reached the fourth round as a wildcard, she has been plagued by various physical issues that have hampered her progress. These include:

• Wimbledon 2021: Retired in the fourth round due to breathing difficulties.
• Abierto Zapopan 2022: Retired in the first round due to a leg cramp and fatigue.
• Italian Open 2022: Withdrew in the first round due to a back injury.
• Korea Open 2022: Retired in the semi-finals due to a left glute injury.
• Transylvania Open 2022: Withdrew before the tournament due to a wrist injury.
• ASB Classic 2023: Retired in the second round after rolling her ankle.
• Australian Open 2023: Suffered with blisters on her hands
• Strasbourg Open 2025: Back issues

These recurring injuries have led to concerns about Raducanu’s physical durability and her ability to withstand the demands of the professional tennis circuit.

The Mental Game: Resilience and Determination

Despite the physical challenges, Raducanu has shown remarkable resilience and determination throughout her career. She has consistently expressed her desire to compete against the best players in the world and to improve her game.

Raducanu’s mental fortitude was evident in her US Open victory in 2021, where she became the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles title. She has also spoken about the importance of staying positive and focused on her recovery during difficult times.

“Next season I’ll be back,” the 22-year-old told BBC Sport earlier this year, after undergoing wrist and ankle surgery. “This season all the slams were finished so it was difficult to watch them go by but I was trying to stay in my lane as much as possible and keep focused on my recovery.”

Wimbledon 2025: Expectations and Predictions

As Wimbledon 2025 approaches, expectations for Raducanu are mixed. While her talent and potential are undeniable, her injury concerns and lack of consistent match play have raised doubts about her ability to make a deep run at the tournament.

Bookmakers have Raducanu as a 40/1 outsider to win Wimbledon, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding her fitness and form. However, her recent return to British No. 1 status and her history of success on grass, including a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon in 2024, suggest that she cannot be ruled out completely.

Tennis experts believe that Raducanu’s performance at Wimbledon will depend on her ability to manage her back injury and to find her rhythm on the court. If she can stay healthy and build momentum throughout the tournament, she has the potential to surprise many and make a strong showing in front of her home crowd.

Inspiration from Alcaraz

Raducanu is set to team up with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open doubles tournament later in the year, but for now, both players have their eyes on Wimbledon. Raducanu has stated that she wants to “take inspiration” from Alcaraz at Wimbledon, praising his commitment and attitude. “He’s always got a smile on his face,” she said.

The two Grand Slam winners have a good relationship, having both competed at the US Open in 2021, where Raducanu won the title and Alcaraz had his breakout win against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Raducanu believes there is plenty she can learn from Alcaraz as he prepares to defend his Wimbledon crown.

A Nation Holds Its Breath

Emma Raducanu’s journey has been one of remarkable highs and frustrating lows. Her US Open triumph catapulted her to global stardom, but her subsequent struggles with injuries have tested her resilience and determination. As she prepares to compete at Wimbledon 2025, the British tennis star faces a familiar challenge: overcoming her physical limitations and fulfilling her immense potential. Whether she can defy the odds and make a deep run at her home Grand Slam remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the entire nation will be watching and hoping for her success.