As the Australian Open commences, Emma Raducanu, the 21-year-old British tennis sensation, is cautiously optimistic about her journey back to top form. Raducanu, who captured the world’s attention with her unexpected U.S. Open victory in 2021 as a teenager, has since been navigating the heightened expectations that followed her remarkable triumph.
Raducanu, participating in her eighth Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, is returning after an extensive break due to wrist and ankle surgeries, which kept her out of action for nearly eight months. Her recent performance in Auckland, where she played as a wildcard, winning one match and narrowly losing another, has bolstered her confidence.
Speaking to reporters, Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her physical condition but acknowledged the need for more time to achieve consistency in her game. She emphasized her belief in her own abilities, stating that consistent effort and playing time would eventually reflect her true potential.
Her time away from the sport, especially during her recovery, has given Raducanu a new perspective on being an athlete. She reflected on the challenges of her recovery, including the reliance on a scooter for mobility and the inability to perform simple tasks, which she said has made her appreciate her physical capabilities more.
In Melbourne, Raducanu faces a significant first-round challenge against Shelby Rogers, the American player she defeated during her U.S. Open run. Reflecting on the immense pressure and expectations placed upon her after her U.S. Open success, Raducanu feels she’s now moving beyond that burden.
Describing a newfound sense of lightness and happiness, Raducanu appears ready to tackle the challenges ahead, free from the ‘backpack of rocks’ of pressure and expectation that she’s carried since her Grand Slam victory.