LONDON — British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has raised concerns ahead of Wimbledon after suffering a straight-sets defeat to China's Qinwen Zheng at the Rothesay Open in Nottingham. The 21-year-old, who stunned the world with her 2021 US Open triumph, appeared visibly hampered during the match, sparking fears about her fitness for the upcoming grass-court Grand Slam.
Raducanu's Struggles at Queen's Club
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 165 after a series of injury setbacks, lost 6-4, 6-4 to world No. 8 Zheng in a match where her movement seemed restricted. The Briton later admitted to discomfort, stating, "I felt something in my back during the match. It’s frustrating, but I’ll assess it and see how it goes." The timing is far from ideal, with Wimbledon just weeks away.
The match highlighted several worrying signs for Raducanu:
- Limited lateral movement, particularly on her forehand side
- Reduced serve speed compared to her usual standards
- Frequent stretches and adjustments between points
Medical Evaluation Underway
Raducanu’s team confirmed she underwent scans following the match. While no major structural damage was detected, sources close to the player revealed she is dealing with "a muscular issue requiring careful management." Her participation in next week’s Eastbourne International—a key Wimbledon warm-up—now hangs in the balance.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman expressed concern, telling the BBC: "Emma’s body has let her down too often. She needs a sustained period of fitness to rebuild confidence. Right now, every match feels like a gamble."
Wimbledon Hopes in Jeopardy?
Raducanu, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021, faces a race against time to recover. The All England Club confirmed she will receive a wildcard, but her recent form—just four tour-level wins this year—has dampened expectations.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted: "The grass suits her game, but if she’s not 100%, it’s hard to see her making a deep run. The physicality of best-of-five sets is another hurdle."
Key Concerns Ahead of SW19
Raducanu’s 2024 season has been marred by inconsistency:
- Withdrew from Madrid with a wrist issue
- Retired mid-match in Rome due to a back problem
- Played just three grass-court matches before Queen’s
Raducanu’s Determined Mindset
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu remains optimistic. In a post-match press conference, she emphasized: "I’ve overcome worse. My team and I know what’s needed. Wimbledon is special, and I’ll do everything possible to be ready."
Her coach, Nick Cavaday, echoed this resilience: "Emma’s a fighter. We’re taking it day by day, but her focus is unwavering."
Grass-Court Adjustments
Raducanu’s game has historically thrived on grass, with her flat groundstrokes and quick reflexes. However, her recent lack of match sharpness is evident. Against Zheng, she won just 58% of first-serve points and committed 22 unforced errors.
Sports physiotherapist Karen Matthews warned: "Back issues on grass are tricky. The low bounce increases strain, and recovery must be meticulous."
Looking Ahead
With Wimbledon beginning on July 1, Raducanu has limited time to regain full fitness. The tennis world waits anxiously for updates, knowing her presence would electrify the home crowd. As former champion Virginia Wade remarked: "Emma’s a rare talent. Here’s hoping she gets her body right—tennis needs her at her best."
For now, Raducanu’s camp remains cautiously hopeful. A decision on Eastbourne is expected within 48 hours, offering the first real indication of her Wimbledon readiness.