Emma Raducanu claims to have “rekindled” her passion for tennis and is full of anticipation for what lies ahead.
“I’m very happy to have rekindled the love for tennis and just enjoying the challenges that come with it and not getting so down about it, just trying a way to get around,” the athlete declared.
The British youngster, who lost badly to Argentine qualifier Maria Lourdes Carle in the Madrid Open first round, claimed to be “mentally and emotionally exhausted” after her recent matches. After a season marred by injuries in 2023, she decided to skip the French Open in order to be properly prepared for the grass-court season.
Earlier this month, Raducanu made her competitive comeback at the Nottingham Open, where she achieved a satisfying run to the semi-finals.
What’s next for Raducanu?
With her upcoming battle against fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens on Tuesday at Eastbourne, Raducanu will continue her preparations for the start of Wimbledon next week.
Raducanu said: “I’m just really grateful to have this feeling again because it’s something that I feel like I’ve been missing in a way for the last few years, and I haven’t felt this good about my tennis and excited about it and passionate for a long, long time.”
“I really feel like I’m in a lot better spirits on and off the court,” she added.
After undergoing wrist and ankle surgery last season, Raducanu, the former British number one, is currently ranked 168th in the world.
Source: BBC