Emma Raducanu thought she pulled off one thing that was “unheard of” however the WTA nonetheless determined to call Paula Badosa because the WTA Comeback Participant of the Yr.
In Could 2023, the Briton was simply 20 when she needed to surgically restore each wrists and her foot. Present process three surgical procedures at such a younger age is rarely ideally suited and it solely obtained extra sophisticated when studies began to emerge that the 2021 US Open champion was dealing with setbacks in her restoration.
Whereas Raducanu later herself confirmed that there have been some issues, she managed to kick off her comeback within the first week of 2024. In the long run, she ended up taking part in a complete of 13 tournaments and a few of her outcomes included a semifinal on the WTA 250 match in Nottingham and likewise making the Wimbledon round-of-16. Additionally, she earned her first two top-10 wins over Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari and likewise completed the yr ranked at No. 57 after being ranked at No. 303 at one level.
After amassing some notable outcomes and likewise profitable all three of her Billie Jean King Cup Finals matches in Malaga to cap off the yr in a constructive approach, Raducanu claimed she was fairly glad with what she was capable of do.
“Yeah, I think I started the year off pretty well for the first half, you know up to Wimbledon. Then I struggled a little bit more with my body I think physically. Wasn’t able to play the full calendar and stay on court as much as I would have liked. But my assessment is, you, I think sometimes I need reminding, I’m top 60 in the world and I have played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, in a way. I have to pat myself on the back for that. I know I’m a dangerous player. I know no one wants to pull my names in the draw. I take pride in that, and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year,” Raducanu assessed.
Emma Raducanu© LTA/Instagram – Honest Use
Raducanu was then named a candidate for the WTA Comeback Participant of the Yr
To nobody’s shock, the previous world No. 10 discovered herself in competition to win the award for the very best comeback in 2024. Her rivals for the award have been Badosa, Naomi Osaka, Karolina Muchova and Amanda Anisimova.
On Monday, the WTA introduced the recipients for this yr’s awards and the 2021 US Open champion did not get the award for which she had a shot.
As an alternative, it was Badosa – who had a really sturdy second half of the season and arguably had the very best case for the Comeback Participant of the Yr.
For context, the Spaniard shut down her 2023 season after Wimbledon because of a again damage. Earlier this yr, her subject was identified as persistent and a few medical doctors even suggested her to finish her profession. However she refused to take action.
Early in 2024, Badosa struggled together with her consistency. However then, she received the WTA 500 match in Washington and likewise reached the semifinals in Cincinnati, Beijing and Ningbo. Additionally, she reached the quarterfinal stage on the US Open and completed at No. 12 after being ranked outdoors the top-100 at one level this yr.
Whereas there was little doubt that Raducanu loved a strong comeback, it was laborious to beat out the previous world No. 2 and her achievements within the latter levels of this season.
Raducanu has one clear objective in her thoughts
The 22-year-old could have performed simply 13 tournaments this yr nevertheless it ought to be famous that she additionally missed some tournaments because of precautionary causes.
Now within the offseason, she employed Maria Sharapova’s former power and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura as she needs to additional enhance her power and be capable of play far more subsequent yr.
“I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer. This year I came to top 60 in the world, but I played I think less than 15 events. I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further. I think that my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential. I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and ready to commit to doing that,” Raducanu mentioned in Malaga.
Additionally, she remarked that she believes she might grow to be “one of the best athletes” underneath the steering of Nakamura.
“I think it’s a big strength of mine that I have nowhere near fulfilled. I think I can become one of the best athletes out there in tennis and I’m just looking forward to seeing how much I can do,” the Briton mentioned.
Raducanu’s 2025 season begins in Auckland between December 30 – January 05.
