PARIS — Emma Raducanu secured a hard-fought victory over Wang Xinyu in the first round of the French Open, but her post-match comments raised concerns about her fitness and long-term durability on the tour. The 21-year-old Brit, who won the US Open in 2021 as a qualifier, admitted she is still managing physical limitations despite her triumphant return to Grand Slam competition.
Raducanu battled past China’s Wang 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 in a match that lasted just over two hours. While she displayed flashes of her trademark aggressive baseline game, her movement appeared labored at times, particularly in the second set. After the match, she revealed, "I’m still not 100% physically, but I’m just happy to be competing again and getting through matches."
A Gritty Performance Amid Physical Struggles
Raducanu’s win marked her first main-draw victory at Roland Garros since 2022, but her post-match remarks overshadowed the achievement. She acknowledged ongoing issues with her wrist and ankle, which have plagued her since her meteoric rise three years ago. "There are days when I wake up and things don’t feel great, but I’ve learned to manage it," she admitted.
The match itself was a rollercoaster:
- Raducanu dominated the first set with precise serving and clean winners.
- Wang fought back in the second, capitalizing on Raducanu’s dip in energy.
- The Brit regrouped in the decider, relying on her mental resilience to close out the match.
Ongoing Injury Concerns
Raducanu’s career has been marred by injuries since her US Open triumph. She underwent surgeries on both wrists and one ankle in 2023, forcing her to miss nearly eight months of competition. Her latest comments suggest she is still not fully recovered. "I’m taking it day by day. Some sessions are better than others, but I’m doing everything I can to stay on court," she said.
Medical Team’s Cautious Approach
Sources close to Raducanu’s camp revealed that her medical team has implemented a strict workload management plan to avoid further setbacks. This includes:
- Limited practice hours between matches.
- Regular physiotherapy and recovery sessions.
- Close monitoring of her wrist and ankle stress levels.
Next Challenge: Facing a Top Seed
Raducanu will next face world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the second round, a daunting task given her physical limitations. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, is known for her punishing power game. Raducanu acknowledged the challenge: "Aryna is one of the best in the world right now. I’ll have to be at my absolute best to compete, but I’ll give it everything."
Tennis analysts have expressed concern over Raducanu’s ability to sustain a deep run in Paris. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman noted, "Emma’s talent is undeniable, but her body hasn’t been able to keep up with the demands of the tour. She needs time to build strength and endurance."
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Raducanu remains optimistic about her future. She emphasized her love for the game and determination to return to peak form. "I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m making progress. Every match is a step forward," she said.
Her performance against Sabalenka will be a key indicator of her current level. A competitive showing could silence doubters, while another injury setback would reignite concerns about her long-term viability on the WTA tour.
For now, Raducanu’s fans will hope her body holds up long enough to see her fulfill the potential she flashed in New York three years ago. As she put it, "I’m just grateful to be playing. The rest will come with time."