“Grateful for health”: Emma Raducanu pushes through recovery before Australian Open

Emma Raducanu shared updates on her health with fans, posting recovery images on social media as she prepares for the Australian Open. The 2021 US Open champion withdrew from the ASB Classic in Auckland this week due to back discomfort.

It was a disappointing start to the season for Raducanu, who had hoped to enjoy greater consistency on hardcourts and play more tournaments this year. Recently, she hired fitness coach Yuttaka Nakamura, who previously worked with Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova, and flew to Melbourne to begin her preparations for the tournament.

“I want to play more than I did this year,” Raducanu said last month. “I think now, with my set-up, I’m in a place where I can continue work on the road. So I don’t necessarily need to come back to continue good physical work.”

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“I can do it pretty much every day, like microdoses. And I think that’s actually going to be a great addition for me next year, which I’m excited about,” the former world No. 10 added. “Also with my tennis, I’m in a pretty good spot. I feel like I just want to see how much I can do, fulfill my potential. I’m curious about what my level can get to. I really want to play more. And I think a big part of that is just staying healthy.”

Raducanu’s injury ahead of the Australian Open raised concerns about her participation in the tournament. However, on Thursday, she shared a series of photos training in Melbourne, including one alongside Nakamura. The pictures show the Brit smiling, working out in the gym, and practising at Melbourne Park. “Being grateful for health & channelling into growth❤️‍🩹🚶‍♀️🔥,” she captioned the post.

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The 22-year-old experienced a similar situation last year before the US Open when an injury forced her to miss the Cincinnati Open and Canadian Open. As a result, she arrived at Flushing Meadows with little match practice and suffered a first-round defeat to Sofia Kenin.

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