After postponing her return several times, Emma Raducanu will finally make her comeback to tennis at the 2024 ASB Classic. In an interview, the Brit noted how positive and lighthearted she feels prior to returning. It will mark almost one year since her last tournament as injuries and surgeries sidelined her season back then.
Raducanu last played at the ASB Classic in 2023 and suffered an ankle injury against Viktoria Hruncakova during round two – forcing her to retire midmatch due to it. Both this and subsequent wrist injuries would subsequently end her season due to surgery being necessary on both.
Raducanu also struggled with mental strain since winning the 2021 US Open and has felt under constant scrutiny as she met fans’ expectations and faced other pressures associated with fame and expectation from various quarters – but she recently confirmed to media sources that this no longer feels the case and she’s ready for a fresh start.
She did not secure a wildcard to compete at the Australian Open which starts Jan 14. Instead, she will likely follow in the footsteps of 2021 Flushing Meadows when she made history by becoming the first Open Era player ever to win majors through qualifying alone.
She expressed relief in regards to expectations that had arisen since her New York win.
“Overall I feel positive and lighter. For two years after competing at the U.S. Open I may have felt slightly burdened on my shoulders; now however I feel completely refreshed”, Raducanu stated.
Raducanu has not made it past the second round in any Grand Slam since her Flushing Meadows victory, drawing criticism in some quarters for being unfit and slow on court since. She remains positive though and expressed happiness that she was back fit and preparing to compete again.
“It’s nice not having three casts on you,” she stated, and began showering and moving freely around. This allowed her to do her hair independently as desired – something else which was greatly appreciated during recovery.
Emma Raducanu will hope to make an impressive comeback at the ASB Classic alongside Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina and defending champion Coco Gauff.
