Emma Raducanu has provided a promising update on her return to competitive tennis action, with pictures of her back in the gym suggesting that things are heading in the right direction. The 20-year-old was forced to sit Wimbledon out this year after undergoing surgery on her hands and ankle. Raducanu struggled with persistent injury problems in the aftermath of her Wimbledon breakthrough and stunning US Open triumph in 2021. Back in May, it was revealed to fans that she had undergone surgery to try and combat the issues.
The drastic action means that Raducanu has been forced to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, although many hope that it will boost the Brit’s chances of fighting her way back up the rankings in the long run. Having reached as high as No 10 in the world last year, Raducanu is now well outside the top 100 and faces a gritty struggle to once again prove herself as a Grand Slam contender.
Supporters were given a positive update late on Thursday night, however, as Raducanu posted an Instagram story showing her on an exercise bike in what appears to be a light therapy chamber, captioned: “First session back.” Former British No 1 Anne Keothavong discussed Raducanu’s situation before action got underway at Wimbledon, and she remains hopeful that the youngster could be back in action at the end of the summer.
“I believe she’s fine,” Keothavong told the BBC. “She’s recovering from double hand and ankle surgery. Hopefully we’ll see her back on court, fit and ready, towards the end of summer or sometime in the autumn. “This is obviously a difficult time of year, especially as a Brit, if you’re not involved in the tournament. Hopefully she’s watching on and supporting all the other Brits.” Returning in late summer puts Raducanu in contention to turn out at the US Open.
The Brit prevailed at Flushing Meadows two years ago, coming through 10 matches – including three qualifying rounds – without dropping a set as she defeated Leylah Fernandez in the final. Fans will hope that successful surgery and a strong recovery will help Raducanu towards those heights as they wait patiently for concrete news on when and where her competitive comeback will take place.
