Emma Raducanu is back in the swing of things—literally—despite facing a frustrating hurdle in her grass-court preparations.
After struggling with a recurring back injury, the 22-year-old tennis star is now offering a more hopeful outlook on her recovery as she gears up for a busy summer season.
A Lingering Issue That Started With a Simple Move
Raducanu’s back trouble isn’t new.
It all began earlier this year in the lead-up to the Australian Open when she aggravated her back simply by bending down to tie her shoelace.
That seemingly small incident kicked off a series of spasms that have continued to trouble her.
The pain returned again in Strasbourg—her warm-up event ahead of the French Open—adding another layer of concern to her preparations.
The British player has been dealing with the issue on and off ever since.
Setting Realistic Expectations at Queen’s Club
When she spoke to the press on Sunday, Raducanu made it clear that she was keeping her expectations in check as she enters the grass-court stretch at Queen’s Club.
She emphasized that she wasn’t placing too much pressure on herself this week, choosing instead to focus on how her body responds day-by-day.
Her mindset has noticeably shifted, though.
As she gets ready to face qualifier Cristina Bucsa, Emma seemed far more upbeat—especially after teaming up with fellow Brit Katie Boulter in a doubles match that saw them claim a smooth 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Testing the Waters With a Doubles Win
“That match was a great test run,” Raducanu said afterward.
“It helped me see how my back holds up in actual play.”
She’s not claiming to be completely in the clear, but she’s confident she’s managing the situation well enough to stay competitive.
“It’s something I’ve had to stay on top of, and I’ll keep doing that. Hopefully, things stay stable heading into singles.”
From Frustration to Positivity
A week ago, her tone was much more cautious.
She had openly admitted that her grass season had already hit a snag and admitted she couldn’t predict how her body would react in the weeks to come.
“It’s been something I’ve had to keep an eye on,” she said then.
“You just try to handle what you can, and stick to the right habits.”
But her recent performance—and mood—tells a different story.
The former US Open champ seemed more like her old self again, sharing smiles with her Billie Jean King Cup teammate Boulter and soaking up the energy of a supportive crowd.
A Confident New Partnership
The doubles debut with Boulter was more than just a test of fitness—it was also a chance to ease into competition in a fun, less pressured setting.
Raducanu admitted she had butterflies before the match, perhaps even more than when she plays singles.
“I was actually really nervous,” she confessed.
“Not sure if Katie noticed! I didn’t quite know what to expect out there, but once we got going, it was amazing. Katie really helped me feel at ease.”
Their chemistry on court was clear, and now there’s even the possibility of an all-British quarterfinal clash if Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage win their next match.
So, What’s Next for Emma?
With her back pain being carefully managed and her confidence seemingly on the rise, Raducanu’s immediate focus is on her singles match against Cristina Bucsa.
While she’s not making any bold predictions, her calm, realistic mindset paired with a solid doubles performance is a promising sign.
As she eases back into form, Raducanu seems ready to take each match as it comes—pain or no pain—and continue her push through what’s shaping up to be a packed summer on grass.