Emma Raducanu is gearing up for her comeback on the WTA Tour and could face a thrilling opening challenge in her first tournament of the year. The 2021 US Open champion has already arrived in Australia, making an early trip Down Under to fully adjust to the conditions and ensure she’s prepared for the start of the new season.
This marks a shift in approach for Raducanu, who, ahead of the 2024 US Open, chose not to compete in warm-up events and ultimately suffered an early exit in New York. Now, with a renewed commitment to spending more time on the court, she’s brought her new fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, along for the journey to ensure her body is in peak condition.
“I feel like I’m in a pretty good place to get on court as much as I can,” Raducanu shared last month, exuding confidence about her fitness and readiness. “I feel really strong. I feel really fit. The only thing I can’t really speak for is I haven’t played that many matches.”
She went on to explain her progress, particularly on the practice courts. “On the training court I feel amazing. I feel like I’m running around, throwing myself around on the court, but it’s different playing matches,” Raducanu acknowledged. She’s been testing her form at the Billie Jean King Cup, where she felt good during her matches, noting, “I wasn’t tiring in the matches. It would just be good to see as the level increases, and if I have to play more back-to-back, how I’m going to react.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Raducanu is setting ambitious goals for herself. “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer,” she stated, reflecting on a season where she cracked the top 60 but played fewer than 15 events. “I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further.”
She recognizes her athleticism as a key strength but believes there’s still untapped potential. “I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and I feel ready to commit to doing that,” she added, signaling her determination to improve and push herself further.
Despite it being the end of the season for many players, Raducanu feels like she’s just getting started. “I’m not really looking to have any more time off,” she said, noting her focus is now on training hard and laying the groundwork for a successful 2025.
Raducanu will be aiming to break back into the WTA’s top 50 when she competes at the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, set to begin on December 30. The WTA 250 event features an exciting field, including four former Grand Slam champions.
Her opening-round draw could see her face Sloane Stephens, with Raducanu holding a solid record against the American. Another potential match-up could be a rematch against Sofia Kenin, who defeated Raducanu at the US Open last August. Additionally, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, American Madison Keys, Belgium’s Elise Mertens, and rising star Amanda Anisimova are also in the draw, making it a highly competitive field.
Raducanu could also encounter Lulu Sun again, after the New Zealander triumphed over her in the first round at Wimbledon. However, players in Auckland will likely be wary of facing Raducanu, especially after her impressive showing at the Billie Jean King Cup, where she capped off her season with three straight victories, displaying great form and determination.