WASHINGTON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu raised concerns about her fitness and form ahead of her unexpected withdrawal from the Citi Open doubles semi-final, casting doubt on her readiness for the upcoming US Open. The 2021 US Open champion retired from her match alongside partner Miyu Kato, citing discomfort and fatigue.
Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries since her historic Grand Slam triumph, admitted in post-match comments that she was "not feeling 100%" and needed to prioritize her health. Her withdrawal came just hours after she lost in straight sets to Ludmilla Samsonova in the singles quarter-finals, a match where she appeared visibly fatigued.
Raducanu's Concerning Admission
Before retiring from the doubles event, Raducanu made several worrying remarks about her physical condition. "I’ve been pushing my body a lot these past few weeks, and it’s catching up with me," she said. "I need to be smart about my recovery."
Her comments have sparked concerns among fans and analysts, particularly given her history of injuries. Since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu has faced:
- Wrist surgery in 2023
- Ankle issues earlier this season
- Persistent fitness setbacks limiting her tournament appearances
The Withdrawal and Its Implications
Raducanu and Kato were set to face top seeds Jessica Pegula and Erin Routliffe in the semi-finals before the withdrawal was announced. Tournament officials confirmed that Raducanu had informed them of her decision due to "physical discomfort and the need to manage workload."
This marks another setback in Raducanu’s comeback trail. After missing most of 2023 due to surgeries, she has been working her way back up the rankings but has yet to regain her peak form. Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted, "Emma’s talent is undeniable, but her body keeps betraying her at crucial moments."
Reactions from the Tennis World
Fellow players expressed sympathy for Raducanu’s situation. Pegula, who advanced to the final via walkover, said, "It’s tough to see anyone struggle with injuries, especially someone as exciting as Emma. I hope she gets the rest she needs."
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, emphasized caution in her schedule. "We’re taking it week by week. The priority is ensuring she’s healthy for the long term," he told reporters.
Looking Ahead to the US Open
With the US Open just weeks away, Raducanu’s fitness remains a major question. She has a protected ranking due to her past Grand Slam win, but her recent struggles suggest she may not be at full strength. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman remarked, "She needs matches, but she also can’t afford another injury setback before New York."
Raducanu’s team has not confirmed whether she will play in any warm-up events before Flushing Meadows. Her participation in Cincinnati or Cleveland remains uncertain, with sources indicating a "day-by-day assessment" of her condition.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
Raducanu’s comments and withdrawal highlight the ongoing challenges she faces in managing her body and expectations. While her talent is undeniable, her ability to stay healthy will determine whether she can return to the heights of her 2021 success. As the tennis world watches closely, her next steps will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of her career.
For now, Raducanu’s focus appears to be on recovery. "I’ll take the time I need," she said before leaving Washington. "There’s still a lot of season left."