Emma Raducanu is making a swift return to competition, securing a last-minute wild card for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open. However, there’s a twist—the former US Open champion will have to battle through the qualifying rounds to earn her place in the main draw.
This move marks a notable shift in Raducanu’s approach, as she has historically avoided playing in tournament qualifiers since turning professional.
Raducanu’s Early Exit in Singapore Sparks Quick Turnaround
Raducanu had hoped for a deep run at the Singapore Open, her first event since splitting with coach Nick Cavaday after the Australian Open.
Despite a grueling three-hour loss to Cristina Bucsa, the 22-year-old Brit found positives, saying her level was already improving compared to Melbourne.
Her early elimination, however, opened the door for another opportunity—competing in Abu Dhabi.
Why is Raducanu Playing Qualifiers for the First Time?
Raducanu has never previously entered qualifying rounds for a WTA event outside the Grand Slams, preferring to only play main draws.
This strategy sparked controversy last August when she skipped qualifying for the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, leaving her underprepared for the US Open, where she suffered an early exit against Sofia Kenin.
Afterward, Raducanu admitted she made a mistake and vowed to embrace qualifiers to build match fitness—but a late-season injury prevented her from following through.
Now, by accepting a qualifying wild card for Abu Dhabi, it appears she’s sticking to her word and prioritizing match play over prestige.
The Nakamura Factor: A Push for Better Fitness?
Raducanu’s decision may also be influenced by her new fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, who previously worked with Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova.
Determined to become one of the best athletes in the world, Raducanu has put extra focus on endurance training, and playing more matches is a key step in that process.
Her immediate goal is to rebuild match toughness and confidence, something she lacked in 2023 when injuries derailed her momentum.
What’s Next? A New Full-Time Coach is Needed
While her fitness team is now set, Raducanu still needs to appoint a new full-time coach to replace Cavaday.
With 2025 shaping up to be a critical season, securing the right coaching team could be the difference between a comeback story and another frustrating campaign.
Will Raducanu’s New Approach Pay Off?
For the first time, Raducanu is embracing the grind rather than relying on wild cards for main draws.
If she fights her way into Abu Dhabi’s main event, it could mark a turning point in her career.
Could this be the fresh start Raducanu needs to return to the top of women’s tennis?
