EASTBOURNE — Emma Raducanu delivered an emotional and hard-fought victory at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne, marking a triumphant return to competitive tennis after months of injury struggles. The 21-year-old British star, who burst onto the scene with her historic 2021 US Open win, couldn’t hold back tears during her post-match interview, overwhelmed by the significance of her comeback.
Raducanu defeated world No. 45 Sloane Stephens in a gripping three-set match (6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3), showcasing her trademark resilience and shot-making. The win marked her first victory over a top-50 opponent since her return from wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023. Visibly moved, Raducanu paused mid-interview to compose herself, her voice breaking as she reflected on the journey back to the court.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The match itself was a microcosm of Raducanu’s career—brilliant flashes of dominance interspersed with moments of vulnerability. After securing the first set, she faltered in a tense second-set tiebreak, squandering two match points. However, she regrouped in the decider, breaking Stephens early and holding her nerve to close out the win.
Speaking to the crowd afterward, Raducanu struggled to contain her emotions: "It’s just been so hard the last few years… I’ve just been working so hard, and to finally get some reward feels really nice." The Eastbourne crowd responded with a standing ovation, a testament to the affection they hold for the young star.
The Road to Recovery
Raducanu’s journey since her US Open triumph has been fraught with challenges. Injuries, coaching changes, and the weight of expectations have tested her resolve. Her 2023 season was derailed by surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle, forcing her to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Key milestones in her comeback:
- Returned to training in early 2024, gradually increasing intensity
- Made her competitive return at the Stuttgart Open in April, losing in the first round
- Showed steady improvement at subsequent tournaments, though wins remained elusive until Eastbourne
The Physical and Mental Toll
Raducanu admitted in her press conference that the rehabilitation process was grueling, both physically and mentally. "There were days I didn’t know if I’d ever play at this level again," she revealed. Her coach, Nick Cavaday, emphasized the psychological hurdles: "Emma’s biggest battle wasn’t the injuries—it was believing she could return to her best."
What’s Next for Raducanu?
The Eastbourne victory has reignited hopes of a Raducanu resurgence ahead of Wimbledon, where she’ll enter with a protected ranking. Analysts note her improved serve and movement, though consistency remains a work in progress. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised her performance: "This win proves she’s still got that champion mentality. When the pressure was on, she delivered."
Raducanu’s immediate focus will be on building momentum. She faces a tough second-round match against second seed Jessica Pegula, but the Brit appears undaunted: "I’m just grateful to be competing again. Every match is a bonus right now."
A Moment of Catharsis
The raw emotion displayed by Raducanu resonated with fans and fellow players alike. Stephens, her opponent, offered words of encouragement at the net: "I told her to keep going. She’s been through so much, and to see her fight like that was inspiring."
Social media erupted with support, with #RaducanuComeback trending worldwide. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova tweeted: "Tears of joy, tears of relief—Emma’s heart is still in this game. Don’t count her out yet."
As Raducanu wiped away tears during her interview, the moment transcended tennis. It was a reminder of the human behind the headlines—a young athlete who’d weathered storms most never see, still standing, still swinging. Her final words to the crowd said it all: "However this ends, I’m just proud I didn’t give up."
With Wimbledon looming, Raducanu’s Eastbourne breakthrough couldn’t have come at a better time. Whether this marks the start of a sustained revival remains to be seen, but for one emotional evening on the south coast of England, Emma Raducanu was back—and so was the belief.