"It was horrible": Emma Raducanu recalls difficult period in 2023 because of fitness concerns

Britain’s young tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed that she is ‘grateful’ to finally play the sport after going through a turbulent time on the court. The 21-year-old was once regarded as the next big thing, especially after winning the US Open in 2021 at just 18.

Raducanu defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3. The victory was more special one considering that the youngster started the competition from the qualifying round and still managed to go all the way.

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Since then, however, nothing much has gone right for Raducanu as she has struggled with form and fitness concerns. The Toronto-born star was out of action for nearly 12 months in 2023 as she suffered a serious wrist injury as well. She returned to the court earlier this season and has produced some impressive performances, including her recent win against America’s Jessica Pegula in the second round of the recently concluded Eastbourne International. Not only that as she also played a key role in helping Great Britain cement a spot in the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup after beating France.

Raducanu, who is now set to take part in the third Grand Slam of the year — Wimbledon — which will begin on Monday, was recently quoted in a report where she explained how grateful she is to return to the court. The former world number 10 also revealed that her time off the court because of an injury was horrible.

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“I was horrible. Like, it was horrible. I think I’m just so grateful to be on the other side of it,” she said. “I think going there was really rubbing salt into the wound, but I guess it was part of my obligations to do it, and I’m just very happy to be actually playing.”