Emma Raducanu has enjoyed a strong year in 2025, but she’s recently suffered another injury setback.
The 2021 US Open champion had a torrid first few months of the year, winning just three matches across her first six tournaments.
Bouncing back, Raducanu qualified for her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami, taking down the likes of Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova in Florida.
Moving onto clay, Raducanu picked up wins at all four tournaments she played, showing real signs of improvement.
Approaching her first grass-court tournament of 2025 full of confidence, Raducanu reached the quarterfinals of Queen’s, losing out to China’s Qinwen Zheng in straight sets.
Expected to return to action at the stacked Berlin WTA 500 event, Raducanu withdrew from the tournament as she looks to recover from a back injury in time for Wimbledon.
Reacting to Raducanu’s latest withdrawal, Andy Roddick weighed in with his thoughts on the British number one.
Andy Roddick isn’t surprised to see Emma Raducanu withdraw from Berlin, ‘it’s just her thing’
During the latest edition of Served with Andy Roddick, the 42-year-old gave his verdict on Raducanu’s decision to skip Berlin.
“I don’t know, I say this sensitively, when I hear this, I think it’s just her thing,” said Roddick.
“Some people have to feel perfect to go, some people can have a sore back and choose to go.
“The way Emma’s [Raducanu] mind works, when it’s right, is fantastic, and there’s no right or wrong way. I was the other way, I was trying to come back too early from a hamstring injury, where you get treatment done and they say four-six weeks, and I’m trying to be back in two or three weeks; therefore, I’m ruining it for the next three months. I did that my last year on tour, so it’s not to say she’s wrong.
“These types of stories don’t surprise me anymore. I think she just needs to feel physically almost perfect to have a go at it.”
Roddick’s co-host Jon Wertheim agreed, as he commented on Raducanu’s pattern of withdrawals.
“I think, context and given her track record, it’s not surprising,” he said.
“I think she is nothing if not a realist. Number one British player and now in the top 40, it’s possible you could be seeded. You have a lot of attention, possibly have bonuses that could be triggered with good performances at Wimbledon, and a lot of expectation. I suppose it’s not surprising she would want to go in feeling a full 100%.
“This is a Major champion, she obviously hasn’t come close to replicating that, but she’s had a sneaky good year, back in the top 40, won 15 matches, always a dangerous player, good competitor.
“It does seem to be par for the course for her; if things aren’t 100% with her, she isn’t playing. I wouldn’t read too much into this.”
Roddick was keen, however, to comment on Raducanu’s 2025 season, which has been one of her best.
“Let’s level set. Outside of one tournament, this is her best year so far, consistently. She’s playing every week, winning matches every week,” he said.
The 22-year-old will certainly hope to be back fit for Wimbledon, her home Grand Slam tournament.
Emma Raducanu’s injury history
Raducanu’s injury history has been well documented as the British star struggles to stay fit for extended periods.
Over the last four years, Raducanu has withdrawn from several tournaments and retired from many matches due to injury.
- 2021 Wimbledon 4R – Retired mid-match due to breathing difficulties
- 2022 Abierto Zapopan (Guadalajara) 1R – Retired mid-match due to leg cramps and fatigue
- 2022 Italian Open 1R – Retired mid-match due to back injury
- 2022 Nottingham Open 1R – Retired mid-match due to pain in her left side
- 2022 Korea Open SF – Retired mid-match due to pain in her left glute, and back
- 2023 ASB Classic 2R – Retired mid-match due to ankle injury
- 2023 Madrid Open 1R – Retired pre-match due to wrist injury
- 2024 Miami Open 1R – Retired pre-match due to lower back injury
- 2024 Korea Open QF – Retired mid-match due to left foot injury
- 2025 ASB Classic 1R – Retired pre-match due to back injury
- 2025 Berlin Open – Withdrew pre-tournament due to back injury
Only time will tell if Raducanu can find a solution to the back pain that has troubled her recently, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
The 2025 Wimbledon tournament is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 30.
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