Emma Raducanu is back on British soil and set to kick off her 2025 grass-court campaign at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, but she admits her preparation hasn’t been smooth sailing.
Following her second-round exit at Roland Garros, the 2021 US Open champion revealed she’s been nursing a recurring back issue that slightly derailed her grass-court prep.
Emma Raducanu Discusses Grass Court Prep After French Open 2R Loss to Iga Świątek
Raducanu’s clay-court swing came to a close with a tough loss to former World No. 1 Iga Świątek at the French Open, where she fell 1-6, 2-6. With her focus now shifting to the grass season, Raducanu is gearing up for her main draw debut at the WTA 500 event at Queen’s Club, where she’s been granted a wildcard.
Speaking to reporters during a media session in London ahead of the tournament, Raducanu gave a candid update on her fitness and training status. “I got back end of last week, and then I had two days off after I finished in Paris, and then got straight back on the court,” she shared.
However, her comeback hasn’t been entirely seamless. “I had a small interruption with a bit of a back spasm again. So that was a bit annoying, so that kind of hindered my grass preps, but the last few days I’ve managed to get on the grass and kind of just begin to try and fill my feet,” she said.
She will open her campaign against Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucșa. She partnered with fellow Brit Katie Boulter in the doubles draw as they defeated Wu Fang-Hsien and Jiang Xinyu 6-4, 6-2 in their opening match.
‘It Can Be Frustrating’: Raducanu on Her Persistent Back Issue
When asked if the persistent back issue has become mentally challenging, Raducanu acknowledged the frustration. “Yeah, it can be frustrating,” she admitted. “When I was playing in Strasbourg in my second-round match, it definitely hindered me, and first round in Paris, but I got through. I think just having to manage it, knowing that it keeps coming back, but I try not to let it get to me.”
She added that she has developed a stronger understanding of the problem and how to navigate it: “I think I have a pretty good feel overall of when it happens, what to do, and how to manage it. It does take a few days out, but all I can do is kind of deal with what’s in front of me.”
Raducanu’s comments were shared during her pre-tournament media availability in London ahead of the Queen’s Club Championships, which begin June 9. The event will mark her first appearance on grass this year, and with Wimbledon on the horizon.
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