Things could go from bad to worse for Emma Raducanu following her latest setback.
By Yasmin Syed
08:00, Sat, Jan 4, 2025
Comment section
CONTINUE READING
Emma Raducanu Billie Jean King Cup Finals – Great Britain v Slovakia: Semi-Final
Emma Raducanu has been told that she won’t win any titles in 2025 (Image: Getty)
Emma Raducanu has received a reality check as she gears up for the new tennis season.
Advertisement
The British No. 2 has already suffered a new physical setback in 2025, pulling out of her first tournament of the season with a back injury.
And Express Sport readers believe it’s the start of a difficult season for Raducanu, humbling the former US Open champion with bleak predictions for the year.
Related articles
‘Emma Raducanu told me not to make the same mistake when I got injured’
Emma Raducanu pulls out of first 2025 event as Brit suffers new injury setback
Last season was all about Raducanu’s comeback from three surgeries. Twelve months ago, she returned from a lengthy injury layoff ranked outside the world’s top 300. By the end of the year, she had climbed back into the top 60.
In 2025, the Brit will be keen to push on and continue rising up the rankings, and get her hands on a long-awaited second title. Raducanu still hasn’t won lifted a trophy since her US Open triumph more than three years ago.
She’s enjoyed some deep runs at big tournaments. Last year she reached the Nottingham semi-final, four WTA Tour quarter-finals and the second week of Wimbledon.
Advertisement
However, tennis fans aren’t convinced that Raducanu will be able to take it to the next level in 2025. Asked whether she would win any titles this year, a staggering 73 per cent of Express Sport readers said no.
Emma Raducanu hasn’t lifted a trophy since winning the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier (Image: Getty)
Daily Express – Tennis Newsletter
Enter your email address here
SUBSCRIBE
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Just in Novak Djokovic picks Gael Monfils over Nadal and Federer with surprise statement
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news
Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Fans also have doubts about her ability to climb the rankings. 36 per cent said Raducanu would end the season ranked outside the top 50 – exactly where she is now.
There’s still some belief that she could enjoy a short rise. 31 per cent believe she will end the year ranked between 26 to 50 and 25 per cent believe she could sit between No. 11 and No. 25 in the world.
Only 11 per cent are backing Raducanu to return to the top 10. She reached her career-high of No. 10 in July 2022 but dropped out a few weeks later and hasn’t been back in the upper echelons since.
The current world No. 56 will have opportunities to prove her doubters wrong this year. She only played 13 tour events in 2024 and missed significant chunks of the season.
Related articles
Boulter’s priceless reaction to De Minaur volley as couple on opposing teams
Novak Djokovic spills beans on Murray plan as sights set on Alcaraz and Sinner
Djokovic and Alcaraz under threat as ‘nightmare’ player makes his mark
Raducanu skipped the French Open, missed qualifying at the WTA 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati, and was out injured from late September to November. If she can play during those periods in 2025, there will be chances to gain extra ranking points.
Advertisement
That all relies on Raducanu staying fit and healthy, and there are already concerns following her latest setback. The 22-year-old was set to start her season at the ASB Classic, her third time at the tournament.
But her preparations were disrupted by a back problem before Christmas and she failed to recover in time, forcing her to withdraw from the event.
“I tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here but unfortunately picked up a back niggle and won’t be ready in time,” Raducanu said. She will now head straight to the Australian Open without playing a warm-up tournament.
Related articles
Elena Rybakina reunites with ex-coach she axed as she shares news in blunt post
Novak Djokovic announces schedule change as Serb will do ‘whatever it takes’
Latest videos
Elon Musk betrays Nigel Farage as he says ‘Reform needs new leader’
Rachel Reeves has sunk UK economy. Labour’s next blunder will wreak havoc for decades
Ukraine takes Russia by surprise with huge ‘counter-attack’ deep into Kursk border region
Meghan Markle’s dad takes bitter swipe at Prince Harry with brutal 15-word comment
Met Office issues new snow and ice warnings covering nearly all of UK – full list
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert issues stern warning as they give everyday item huge value
Liverpool issue statement on Man Utd match postponement as another meeting set
BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg viewers ‘switch off’ within minutes as they share same complaint
Amad nets late equaliser after inspired Garnacho substitution as Man Utd hold Liverpool
Meghan Markle’s dad reveals why he’s leaving America and sends message to grandkids
Iga Swiatek given cold shoulder by US tennis star as rivals start to turn on world No.2
British tennis star makes decision over quitting event after rackets destroyed Down Under
Coco Gauff wins set over Iga Swiatek in very unusual fashion as Pole left red-faced
Wimbledon champion withdraws from Australian Open last-minute and issues statement
Naomi Osaka in tears as star retires from first final since April 2022 through injury
‘I played against prime Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray – I knew I was f***ed’
British tennis star rages as rackets ‘totally destroyed’ after paying £80 airline fee
Aryna Sabalenka rejects offer to advise 17-year-old tennis wonderkid after beating her
Nick Kyrgios digs out 16-year-old wonderkid who is son of tennis legend over training snap
United Cup star Tomas Machac shouts at own team before abruptly retiring vs Taylor Fritz
Elena Rybakina breaks silence after coach Stefano Vukov was suspended by WTA
HOROSCOPESAPPSWEATHERPAPER
HOME
NEWS
SHOWBIZ & TV
SPORT
COMMENT
FINANCE
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINMENT
LIFE & STYLE
TODAY’S PAPER
Sunday, 5th January 2025
See today’s front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.
CONNECT WITH US
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Snapchat
Check our YouTube channel
Subscribe to our rss feed
Play Express Wins Apps
Horoscopes Puzzles
Shop Partner Stories
Hopsmore Beer Club Beauty Box Subscription
Sitemap Site Archive
About Us Social Media
Journalists How to Complain
Report A Tech Issue Advertising
Affiliate advertising Cookie Policy
Cookies Settings Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy Community Standards
AI Notice Syndication and Licensing
Clarifications and Corrections InYourArea
Paper Developed
by Netro42
mynewsassistant
IPSO RegulatedCopyright ©2025 Express Newspapers. “Daily Express” is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
