EASTBOURNE — British tennis star Emma Raducanu suffered a concerning second-round defeat to qualifier Maya Joint at the Eastbourne International on Wednesday, raising fresh doubts about her fitness and form ahead of Wimbledon.
The 21-year-old, who made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open, struggled with her movement and consistency during the 6-3, 6-2 loss. Raducanu, playing just her second tournament since returning from wrist and ankle surgeries, appeared visibly frustrated as her 17-year-old opponent dominated the match in just 68 minutes.
A Concerning Performance
Raducanu’s performance was marred by unforced errors, particularly on her backhand side, where she committed 12 mistakes. Joint, ranked No. 522 in the world, capitalized on Raducanu’s struggles, dictating play with aggressive baseline shots. The British No. 6 managed only one break point in the entire match, converting none.
"It’s disappointing, but I’m still building," Raducanu said in her post-match press conference. "I’ve only played a handful of matches in the last year, so it’s going to take time. I just need to keep working."
Fitness Questions Loom Ahead of Wimbledon
Raducanu’s movement, particularly on her surgically repaired ankle, appeared tentative throughout the match. She frequently struggled to reach wide balls, and her serve lacked its usual potency, with her first-serve percentage dropping to just 54%.
Key concerns for Raducanu ahead of Wimbledon:
- Lack of match sharpness after multiple injury layoffs
- Inconsistent serve and groundstrokes
- Limited defensive mobility
Coach’s Perspective
Nick Cavaday, Raducanu’s coach, acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic. "Emma’s still in the process of regaining full confidence in her body. The more matches she plays, the better she’ll get. Wimbledon is a big goal, but we’re taking it step by step."
Maya Joint’s Breakthrough Moment
For Joint, the victory marked a career-defining moment. The Australian-American teenager, who entered the tournament as a qualifier, displayed remarkable composure against a former Grand Slam champion. "I just tried to stay focused and play my game," Joint said. "Emma’s an incredible player, so I knew I had to bring my best."
Joint’s aggressive style and ability to exploit Raducanu’s weaknesses impressed onlookers. She hit 22 winners compared to Raducanu’s 9 and won 75% of her first-serve points.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
With Wimbledon starting on July 1, Raducanu faces a race against time to regain form. She is expected to play an exhibition match next week to fine-tune her game. However, her recent performances have cast doubt on her ability to make a deep run at SW19.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman voiced concerns: "Emma’s talent is undeniable, but she needs matches. Right now, she’s not moving as freely as she used to, and that’s a worry."
Conclusion: A Rocky Road to Recovery
Raducanu’s loss to Joint highlights the challenges of returning from long-term injuries. While her fighting spirit remains intact, her lack of rhythm and confidence is evident. Wimbledon will be a crucial test—one that could define the next phase of her career.
As she left the court in Eastbourne, Raducanu waved to the crowd but wore a resigned expression. The road back to the top is proving tougher than expected, and time is running short before the All England Club beckons.