"Had a huge cyst removed, I traveled here on a wheelchair": Emma Raducanu gives main difference compared to 12 months ago at Australian Open

WTA
Tuesday, 16 January 2024 at 22:30
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Emma Raducanu made a stunning return to the Grand Slam stage at the 2024 Australian Open, triumphing over the former world No. 30 Shelby Rogers (currently ranked No. 161) with a commanding scoreline of 6-3, 6-2. The young British talent marked her reappearance in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since the Australian Open in 2023 and reflected on the differences between the two experiences.
During a post-match press conference, the 2021 US Open champion was asked about the disparity between the Emma who walked on court in Australia 12 months ago and the Emma who faced Shelby Rogers. Raducanu candidly responded, "Well, the Emma who walked on court 12 months ago had a huge cyst removed about 10 days before, had to offload. I traveled here on a wheelchair. I only started hitting 3 days before the match."

Raducanu's Journey: From Disappointment to Equilibrium

Emma Raducanu's last appearance on the court was nine months ago at the Stuttgart Open, where she faced a disappointing defeat against Jelena Ostapenko (6-2, 6-1). Following this defeat, she announced a hiatus to undergo surgeries on both wrists and one of her ankles, leading to an extensive recovery throughout the rest of the year.
Reflecting on the challenging period, Raducanu expressed, "That whole process was a lot of stress. We weren't sure if I was going to be able to play here. So I think I was also, in a way, grateful to have the chance to play. I didn't want to back out of the AO, so I did everything I could. But I think this year, and now there's just a lot more calm."
She continued, "I think I'm more levelheaded. I think things around me have settled. I do feel better, and there's just less, I'd say, highs and lows around. It's just more of an equilibrium." Raducanu emphasized a newfound sense of balance and calmness as she makes her return to competitive tennis.

Raducanu's Optimism:

Emma Raducanu shared her optimism about maintaining peak physical condition throughout the year, expressing that she does not plan on taking any breaks as her recovery has been notably positive.
"Well, my wrists have been really good actually. I have been doing my rehab religiously every single day. Shouts out to Millie, who is on me like a hawk," she remarked, acknowledging the support of her rehabilitation team.
She continued, "Yeah, it's paid off. I don't have any fear or any restrictions on anything. I've passed all the return-to-play markers. My grip strength is higher than ever. It's just about continuing to do the boring rehab, for example. Yeah, hopefully, I'll be in good shape," Raducanu concluded, highlighting her commitment to the recovery process and her positive outlook for the upcoming season.

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