3-Month Absence Forgotten as Emma Raducanu Dishes Out Bold Message in Comeback Australian Open Win
“Tried my best to be ready,” said Emma Raducanu after withdrawing from the Auckland Open due to a back injury. It was a tough blow to the British star, who has struggled with injuries since her stunning 2021 US Open triumph as a qualifier. As the Australian Open approached, Raducanu fought hard to prepare—battling not only a nagging back issue but also an unexpected encounter with Australia’s infamous wildlife. Despite these setbacks, she passed her first test on the Melbourne courts. Some bold words were sure to come!
Currently ranked No.61, Raducanu faced Russian 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in a hard-fought match, eventually winning 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2). The two-hour-and-16-minute battle was a rollercoaster, with Raducanu’s serve wobbling under pressure. She double-faulted 15 times and lost serve on six occasions, especially a particularly deflating one on break point when she looked to close out a straight-set victory from a 5-4 30-0 lead. However, she showed resilience when it mattered most. Raducanu’s baseline play shone, and her composure in the tie-breaks sealed the victory.
Talking about her comeback in the post-match conference, she said, “It was quite a long match. I think we were on the court for like 2 hours 20, first match of the season and I haven’t necessarily played outdoors for a long time, since Seoul, so I think for me playing two sets was good but equally I felt pretty fit out there and right now I feel good as well, my body and I think it’s just a testament to the work I’m starting to do off the court and I don’t necessarily feel any restrictions.”
Raducanu’s journey back to competition has been anything but smooth. In May 2023, she underwent surgeries on both her wrist and ankle, which sidelined her for several months. The lengthy recovery process forced her to miss key tournaments, including the entire clay and grass-court seasons. While she made a tentative return to the tour later that year, a foot ligament injury, sustained at the Korea Open in September, abruptly cut her 2024 campaign short.
Her recent victory led seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander to declare that Emma Raducanu has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.
“This was a tough match. Alexandrova is a good player and you have to play well. So I’m very impressed with with Emma Raducanu,” the former world No 1 told Eurosport. “Every time I see her there, there’s no question in my mind that she could become one of the best players in the world if she stays healthy long enough. “But Anisimova hits the ball very, very, very hard. And it’s going to be a tough match, of course. But I love seeing Emma Raducanu back.”
Emma Raducanu encounters Australia’s wildlife on the road to the Australian Open
In a bizarre twist, Emma Raducanu’s preparations for the Australian Open included an unexpected battle with Australia’s notorious wildlife. “I got bitten really badly by these jumping ants,” she revealed during a press conference. “I had an allergic reaction, my hand and foot swelled up, and I had to come on-site to see the doctor and get some remedies. But I’m fine now.” This incident added yet another complication to an already challenging lead-up to the tournament.
In a year where doping controversies surrounded players like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, the 22-year-old opted to avoid using any sprays or treatments that could raise concerns. “All of us are quite sensitive to what we use,” she explained. “Someone was giving me this antiseptic spray to try to ease the bites. I was like, I’m just going to tough it out because I don’t want to risk it.”
The 22-year-old has shown glimpses of her former self, displaying grit and determination to overcome both physical challenges and on-court struggles. With her first-round victory secured, Raducanu is ready to take on American Amanda Anisimova in the next round on Thursday. Can Raducanu continue to defy the odds and make a deep run at the Australian Open?
