2025 could be the year of the definitive rebirth of Emma Raducanu, who had shown some signs of recovery in 2024 despite her usual injuries during the season. The 2021 US Open champion also had a small physical problem on the eve of the Auckland tournament, but she started the 2025 Australian Open regularly by qualifying for the third round thanks to two very solid performances.
The British player has shown determination and willingness to fight on every point, two essential elements if she wants to return to the highest level after a couple of seasons far below expectations. Everyone knows how complicated it was for Emma to learn how to handle the pressure of her shocking triumph in New York, but Raducanu has grown a lot over the past year and has finally surrounded herself with the right people to start growing again.
McEnroe on Raducanu vs. Swiatek
After defeating American star Amanda Anisimova in the second round, Emma is preparing to face former world No.1 Iga Swiatek in one of the most anticipated matches of the first week of the Happy Slam. The Polish tennis player is certainly not going through the best moment of her career, but she is still the second favorite to lift the trophy behind Aryna Sabalenka.
Speaking on Eurosport, former world No. 1 John McEnroe analyzed Raducanu's chances against Swiatek in detail: She called the trainer a couple of times on the court during the second set against Anisimova so it looks kind of iffy what was going to happen.
I dont know if that threw Anisimova off, but it worked. She looked like she was moving better but obviously that will be a problem against Iga.
The American legend continued: To me, when you play a top player like Iga whos not as comfortable on hard courts as she is on clay, its a good time to play her, when shes not quite sure of herself.
Raducanus making progress but itll be a tall order. If shes feeling right, shell have a shot at it. Its good to see her back in the mix.
