Emma Raducanu’s rocky start to 2025 has already sparked a whirlwind of reactions. The British tennis star, who was seeded for the first time in nearly two years at the ASB Classic in Auckland, withdrew just hours before her opening match, leaving fans frustrated and questioning her accountability.
From Optimism to Setback: The Raducanu Rollercoaster
Raducanu, once hailed as the golden girl of tennis, entered 2025 with renewed hope. After a 2024 season riddled with injuries that saw her tumble out of the top 300 before climbing back to world No. 56, she seemed poised for a fresh start. Her preseason training with coach Nick Cavaday and new fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura was a sign of her determination to reset.
In her pre-tournament press conference, Raducanu expressed excitement, saying, “I’m ready to push on and build… I’ve really taken measures to do that with my team.” But fate had other plans. Hours before her match against Robin Montgomery, Raducanu cited a “back niggle” as the reason for her withdrawal.
“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I won’t be ready in time,” Raducanu shared.
The announcement disappointed fans and reignited concerns about her persistent injuries. For many, the sudden withdrawal felt like déjà vu—another chapter in Raducanu’s struggle to stay fit and consistent.
Social Media Backlash: “Have Some Decency”
The tennis community, particularly on social media platform X, wasn’t forgiving. Many criticized Raducanu’s timing, pointing out how last-minute withdrawals impact players waiting for opportunities. Tennis insider Chris Goldsmith’s indirect comment added fuel to the fire:
“Don’t forget tennis players, if you are not fit to play at the Australian Open, then pull out before the qualifying draw comes out. There are players desperate to play… It could be crucial financially.”
Although Goldsmith didn’t name anyone, fans immediately drew parallels to Raducanu’s situation. Comments like, “Have some decency and withdraw your entry ASAP,” and “Exactly, Emma Raducanu, are you listening?” flooded the discussion.
Persistent Injuries: A Recurring Theme
Raducanu’s injury woes have followed her throughout her career. In 2024 alone, she withdrew from the Miami Open, gave a walkover in the Korea Open quarterfinals due to a foot injury, and missed several key tournaments, including the Asian swing. Despite a stellar Billie Jean King Cup performance, her inability to maintain consistent fitness has overshadowed her talent.
Former coach Paul Annacone once questioned her durability, saying, “When is she going to get and stay healthy?” Financial expert Dr. Rob Wilson also warned that her sponsorships could suffer if she doesn’t start winning consistently.
Australian Open Doubts Loom Large
Raducanu’s withdrawal from Auckland now raises doubts about her Australian Open participation. With no other warmup tournaments on her schedule, it’s unclear whether she’ll be ready for the year’s first Grand Slam. Fans remain skeptical, with some already writing off her chances.
Historically, Raducanu’s best performance at the Australian Open has been reaching the second round. Can she defy the odds and make a deeper run this year? Or will her injury struggles continue to hold her back?
A Crossroads for Raducanu
Emma Raducanu’s journey from the heights of her 2021 US Open triumph to her current struggles has been anything but smooth. Her talent is undeniable, but her ongoing fitness issues and late withdrawals have cast a shadow over her potential.
As the Australian Open approaches, the spotlight will remain firmly on Raducanu. Will she rise above the criticism and prove her doubters wrong, or will 2025 become another year of unfulfilled promise?