Emma Raducanu has described finishing the 2024 season ranked in the top 60 after competing in fewer than 15 events as “pretty unheard of.” Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, the 2021 US Open champion emphasized how much she knows her game can be a threat, stating that no one would relish facing her in a tournament draw.
Ending the year ranked 57th globally, Raducanu boasted an 18-13 record from the 13 ranking events she played. Additionally, she maintained a perfect record of 3-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup, bringing her overall tally for the year to 21-13. This performance came after a challenging start to the year, as Raducanu began 2024 ranked No. 301 following surgeries on both wrists and her ankle after a break in her 2023 season.
One of Raducanu’s most notable results in 2024 was her impressive run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, alongside strong showings in Nottingham, where she reached the semi-finals, and quarter-final finishes in Stuttgart, Eastbourne, Washington, and Seoul.
Speaking to BBC Sport about her comeback, Raducanu revealed how proud she was of her resilience and progress, given the limited number of tournaments she participated in. “Sometimes I need reminding: I’m top 60 and I’ve played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of. I have to pat myself on the back for that,” she admitted.
She added with confidence, “I know I’m a dangerous player. I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw.” Raducanu took pride in her ability to be a formidable opponent and was eager to build on her momentum as she looked toward a more consistent 2025 season.
However, her 2024 campaign was not without its setbacks. Raducanu had to withdraw from five WTA events during the Asian swing—Beijing, Wuhan, Ningbo, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong—due to injury concerns. To address her fitness issues, she made the strategic decision to hire renowned physical trainer Yutaka Nakamura, who has previously worked with tennis stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka.
Reflecting on the choice, Raducanu explained, “I needed a more tailored approach and someone dedicated to me.” She went on to share how she believed her physical potential had yet to be fully realized. “My athleticism is a big strength that I have nowhere near fulfilled. I think I can become one of the best athletes in tennis.”
Raducanu also praised how Nakamura’s work has seamlessly integrated with her coaching team. “Yutuka adds another dimension to the way Nick and I work – it has become integrated and connected,” she said. “We can already see things that we do in the gym transferring onto the tennis court. We’re on a journey of exploration.” With her revamped fitness approach and renewed focus, Raducanu is optimistic about taking her game to new heights in the seasons to come.