Top journalist predicts ‘2025 could be a big year’ for Emma Raducanu but one ‘big question’ remains

World No. 60 Emma Raducanu is still dealing with fitness problems as she was forced to withdraw from the ASB Classic because of a back niggle.

Top journalist predicts ‘2025 could be a big year’ for Emma Raducanu but one ‘big question’ remains

Emma Raducanu (Image via X)

Renowned journalist Jonathan Overend believes in Emma Raducanu‘s ability to beat the best players, predicting that in 2025, the youngster will be achieving big goals. The 22-year-old, however, still struggles with fitness problems and Overend implied that this issue could hinder her from having a smooth campaign.

In 2024, Raducanu ended her season on the WTA Tour after injuring her foot during the quarterfinals at the Korea Open. The British tennis ace was confident about curbing her fitness problems after hiring renowned fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, who also worked with Grand Slam champions Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka.

Raudcanu, however, suffered a major setback at the start of the season. She had signed up for the 2025 ASB Classic, but a back niggle forced her to withdraw from the first-round match against Robin Montgomery. Overend, who lauded Raducanu for her campaign in 2024, said she has to stay fit if she wants to have a great season.

As we know from her exploits at the US Open in 2021, when she famously won it as a qualifier without dropping a set, she has that ability on her day to beat the very best. If she can stay fit, that really is the big question. Now with this established, settled team around her, I think 2025 could be a big year for Emma Raducanu.

Jonathan Overend told Sky Sports Tennis

Last year, Raducanu participated in just 13 tournaments. She started the season outside of the top 300 but ended it as World No. 57 thanks to her matches on the grass swing. The Brit, however, dropped to No. 60 in the rankings after withdrawing from ASB Classic.

Emma Raducanu starts preparation for Australian Open

After withdrawing from the ASB Classic, Emma Raducanu flew to Melbourne and was seen practicing for the Australian Open which starts on January 12. The Instagram handle of the Australian Open shared the video of her training on January 2.

Emma Raducanu (6)
Emma Raducanu (Image via X)

Watch the video here:

Raducanu has suffered from multiple injuries since her successful run at the 2021 US Open. She missed an almost entire season in 2023 due to injuries and surgeries.

Because of her struggles with injuries, Raducanu is yet to clinch a trophy since her historic run at the 2021 US Open. At the Australian Open, she has never reached the third round, and so in the upcoming Major event, she will be hoping to have a better campaign.