Emma Raducanu is wasting no time bouncing back from a disappointing first-round exit in Singapore.
The 22-year-old British tennis star has accepted a wildcard entry into the qualifying rounds of the Abu Dhabi Open, signaling a strong commitment to playing a busier schedule in 2025.
Raducanu battled for three hours against Spain’s Cristina Busca in Singapore but ultimately fell short.
However, instead of taking a break, she’s heading straight to the UAE, a move that marks a shift in her approach to the professional tour.
Aiming for More Matches and a Full Schedule
Last season, Raducanu participated in just 13 tournaments—fewer than nearly all of the top 100 players.
Her reluctance to enter qualifying events was also a talking point, with her decision to skip the French Open qualifiers being particularly controversial.
But this year, things seem different.
By immediately transitioning from one tournament to another, Raducanu appears ready to fully embrace the demands of the tour.
In her pre-season interviews, she made her intentions clear: “I want to play more than I did this year.
Now with my setup, I’m in a place where I can continue work on the road, so I don’t necessarily need to come back to continue good physical work.”
A Major Change in Training Approach
One of the biggest shifts in Raducanu’s preparations has been her decision to bring on a high-profile fitness trainer.
She recently hired Yutaka Nakamura, the former trainer of tennis legend Maria Sharapova.
Previously, Raducanu would frequently return to London for fitness and training blocks.
But with Nakamura by her side, she is now focusing on maintaining and building her fitness while traveling and competing.
This change is expected to help her develop consistency and endurance throughout the season.
Coaching Situation Remains Unresolved
Despite this positive step in her fitness regime, Raducanu is still without a full-time coach.
Her last coach, Nick Cavaday, stepped away due to health reasons, leaving her with only Nakamura as her traveling team member.
While she has yet to announce a new coach, her current setup indicates she is prioritizing physical conditioning as she navigates the season ahead.
Jack Draper Faces Injury Setback
Meanwhile, British No. 1 Jack Draper is dealing with his own challenges.
He has withdrawn from the Rotterdam Open due to a lingering hip tendonitis issue, which forced him to retire from his fourth-round match against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
Draper is now targeting the Qatar Open in Doha for his comeback.
In the meantime, Draper has been working with strength and conditioning coach Matt Little, known for his time with Andy Murray.
Little played a crucial role in Murray’s famously grueling pre-season training camps, and he also currently works with British No. 1 Katie Boulter.
Looking Ahead
For Raducanu, the immediate goal is to make a strong run in Abu Dhabi and start building momentum for a busy season.
With a renewed commitment to playing more tournaments and an upgraded fitness approach, 2025 could be a defining year for her on the tour.
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