Emma Raducanu: A Rebirth on the WTA Tour

After an eight-month hiatus due to surgeries on both wrists and a minor ankle procedure, Emma Raducanu is set to make a triumphant return to the WTA Tour at the Auckland Classic. The 2021 US Open champion, who last competed at the Stuttgart Open, expressed feeling rejuvenated and ready for the new season.

In a recent interview, Raducanu shared her sense of renewal, stating, “Yeah, I feel reborn in a way. I feel fresh, I feel ready, I feel happy, I feel excited. So overall, I’m feeling very positive and lighter.” She acknowledged the challenges of the past two years, emphasizing the weight lifted off her shoulders.

Ranked as high as No.10 in the WTA rankings, Raducanu believes she has evolved as a player during her recovery. “Physically, in practice over the last few weeks, I’m hitting the ball really well. I think I’m a better tennis player than I was before the break,” she declared. Raducanu expressed confidence in her body, emphasizing improvements in both her tennis skills and physical conditioning.

Despite the positive outlook, Raducanu revealed the hardships of rehabilitation, detailing moments when she couldn’t play for months and faced mobility challenges. She emphasized the difficulty of being immobile, unable to perform daily tasks, and how it fueled her determination to return to competition.

Raducanu’s comeback journey begins at the Auckland Classic, where she’ll face a qualifier before potentially meeting Elina Svitolina or Caroline Wozniacki. Looking ahead, she plans to participate in the Australian Open, with her focus on gaining valuable match play in preparation for the main draw or qualifying rounds.

This marks a significant chapter in Raducanu’s career, showcasing resilience and a newfound appreciation for her health. As she embarks on this comeback, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the next phase of Emma Raducanu’s promising career.