Emma Raducanu has faced a series of unexpected challenges leading up to the Australian Open.
After dealing with a back spasm and a painful encounter with jumping ants, the 22-year-old tennis star remains determined to push forward and compete confidently in the tournament.
Encounter with Jumping Ants Causes Swelling
The British tennis player shared that she had been bitten by a jumping ant the day before her first round at the Australian Open.
She described the reaction as severe, with swelling in both her hand and foot.
“I got bitten really badly by these jumping ants,” Raducanu explained.
Despite the swelling, she didn’t let the pain hold her back, seeking medical attention on-site but ultimately feeling fine after treatment.
Taking a Cautious Approach to Medications
Raducanu also discussed her cautious approach to medications after last year’s controversy involving failed drug tests by Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
“All of us are quite sensitive to what we use,” she said, referring to the incident.
Although she was offered antiseptic spray to ease the pain from the bites, Raducanu opted to forgo the treatment.
“I’m just going to tough it out because I don’t want to risk it,” she added, demonstrating her commitment to staying vigilant in light of past doping controversies.
Back Spasm Adds to Challenges
Alongside the ant bites, Raducanu also battled a back spasm that had forced her to withdraw from the Auckland Open earlier.
She revealed that the spasm occurred when she was simply tying her shoes before a practice session.
“It was just a little niggle that I got from lacing up my shoes,” Raducanu clarified.
Despite these setbacks, she appears to be in good spirits and is ready for the challenge of the Australian Open.
New Fitness Coach Helps Improve Performance
Raducanu’s partnership with her new fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, has been a bright spot in her preparations.
Nakamura, a 52-year-old from Japan, has been helping Raducanu manage her training loads and prevent further injuries.
Raducanu praised his approach, noting, “Yutaka has been a really good addition.
He’s helped me a lot in terms of microdosing bits of fitness here and there.”
She shared how Nakamura has helped her with training sessions that are more intense than typical warm-ups.
This, she believes, has improved her on-court performance, making her feel more explosive and reactive.
“I already feel a difference when I step on the court,” she said, citing her improved fitness levels as a result of Nakamura’s guidance.
A Continuous Journey of Building Strength
Raducanu emphasized that building a stronger body is a continuous process.
While it’s not something that can be rushed, she expressed full trust in her trainer’s work and judgment.
“I trust his work and trust his judgment,” she said, reinforcing her confidence in their partnership.
With these adjustments in mind, Emma Raducanu is ready to take on her first-round match at the Australian Open, despite the challenges she’s faced in the lead-up.
Fans will be hoping her resilience and determination will carry her through to a successful campaign.