Back Concerns Force Former US Open Champ Emma Raducanu to Conclude 2023 Season Prematurely
LONDON — Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has prematurely ended her 2025 season, withdrawing from her final two scheduled events in Tokyo and Hong Kong amid ongoing physical issues, according to international media reports on Thursday.
The 22-year-old British player has been hampered by physical ailments during the recent Asian swing. Her decision comes shortly after a challenging run, which included a retirement and a loss requiring on-court treatment.
Raducanu’s struggles were evident last week at the Wuhan Open, where she retired from her match against Ann Li after trailing 6-1, 4-1. Following this, she competed in her Ningbo debut on Tuesday, losing to China’s Zhu Lin in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. The loss followed treatment for a back issue during the match.
The world No. 29 had hoped to build on a relatively positive performance at the US Open in late August, her best run since she famously won the title in 2021. At Flushing Meadows, Raducanu secured two convincing victories before eventually losing to ninth seed Elena Rybakina.
With the season now concluded, Raducanu’s immediate focus turns to recovery and preparation for 2026. Her current ranking of 29th will see her hoping she has performed sufficiently well throughout the year to secure a seed at the Australian Open next year.
The British media also reported that Raducanu will maintain continuity in her coaching setup, confirming she will continue working with Spanish coach Francisco Roig heading into the next season, a move that follows a string of changes to her team in recent years.