Emma Raducanu is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. The 23-year-old British tennis star burst onto the global stage with her stunning 2021 US Open victory, but the road since has been far from smooth. Ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Raducanu is embracing a new chapter in her career, one marked by resilience, belief, and a fresh perspective.
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Despite setbacks, including a back injury that forced her to withdraw from the ASB Classic in New Zealand, Raducanu is feeling optimistic about her return to Grand Slam tennis. As she prepares to face some of the sport’s best, her mindset and approach could be the keys to reigniting her career.
Finding Her Form Against Top Players
In the lead-up to the Australian Open, Raducanu has been testing herself against elite competition during practice sessions at Melbourne Park. Training alongside players like 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, she has been getting a feel for the fast-paced, high-stakes environment that awaits her.
Speaking to reporters at a pre-tournament press conference, Raducanu shared her thoughts on these sessions. “I feel like with the way I’m feeling on the practice court right now, hitting with top-10 players, I’m in a good place,” she said. “I think I can be a dangerous opponent for anyone.”
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Her confidence stems from more than just solid practice sessions. Raducanu’s ability to hold her own against top-tier talent reinforces her belief that she can compete at the highest level. “You have to have that belief as a player,” she emphasized. “It’s not worth going on court if you don’t believe you can win.”
A Challenging Draw at Melbourne Park
Raducanu’s path in the 2025 Australian Open is far from easy. She opens her campaign against Ekaterina Alexandrova, the tournament’s 26th seed. While the two were scheduled to face each other in the first round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, Raducanu withdrew due to injury, leaving their upcoming match as an intriguing first-time encounter.
Should she overcome Alexandrova, Raducanu’s potential road ahead includes Amanda Anisimova or Maria Lourdes Carle in the second round and reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the third. It’s a tough draw, but Raducanu is embracing her position as an underdog.
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“Being unseeded, you can play any top opponent,” she noted. “She’s [Alexandrova] a player with a lot of experience. I guess I’m coming in with the underdog mentality. But I back myself to the hills. I feel like I’m in a good place with how I’m approaching my tennis.”
From Injury to Optimism
Raducanu’s journey to Melbourne has been marked by setbacks, but her recovery from injury demonstrates her determination. The back issue that sidelined her earlier this month was a reminder of the physical demands of the sport, but it also underscored her ability to rebound.
Now fully recovered, Raducanu is channeling her focus into executing a strategic game plan. “We were going to go through the match the morning of Wimbledon, but it got canceled,” she said of her postponed clash with Alexandrova. “I haven’t gone through that yet, but I will in the next few days.”
The Power of Belief
Raducanu’s belief in herself is evident, and it’s a cornerstone of her approach to the game. Reflecting on her mindset, she said, “Would have, should have, could have is just something that doesn’t really exist in sport.” Instead, she chooses to focus on the present moment and the opportunity to prove herself on tennis’s biggest stages.
Her underdog status is not a deterrent but a motivator. Raducanu has thrived in such roles before, most notably during her historic US Open run when she emerged from the qualifiers to win the title without dropping a set.
The Road Ahead
As the Australian Open approaches, Raducanu faces both challenges and opportunities. With a tricky draw and some of the sport’s brightest stars in her path, she has a chance to remind the world why she is one of tennis’s most exciting talents.
Raducanu’s preparation, confidence, and belief set the stage for what could be a defining tournament in her young career. Whether she can replicate the magic of her US Open triumph remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Emma Raducanu is ready to fight for her place among the game’s elite.
