Emma Raducanu provides latest update on her fitness ahead of Wimbledon this summer

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Emma Raducnau provided an encouraging fitness update which will be music to the ears of her adoring fans.

The Brit returned from double wrist and ankle surgery in January but has played just 14 matches so far this season.

She opted to skip the French Open qualifiers to focus on preparing for the grass court season, which commenced at the Nottingham Open where she defeated Japan’s Ena Shibahara 6-1, 6-4 in round one.

With Wimbledon less than a month away, the 21-year-old is keen to build some form and momentum heading into her home Grand Slam.

What did Emma Raducanu say about her fitness?

Many speculated on the fitness of the 2021 US Open champion after she withdrew from Roland Garros.

But during her pre-tournament press conference in Nottingham, the former British number one expressed her desire to get back on court.

“Body wise, physical wise, I feel really healthy and strong. I have done amazing work with my trainer over the last few months since surgery and I’m in a really fit place,” Raducanu said. “I’m just looking forward to starting playing.

“My wrists are actually in a better position than they ever were so there is zero doubt or apprehension when I’m hitting the ball or designing my schedule, it’s more just being proactive and not wanting to put yourself in any unnecessary situations.”

Does Emma Raducanu think grass court conditions have changed?

Raducanu showed some promise when she broke through to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021. Later that year she captured the US Open title without dropping a set.

While speaking to reporters ahead of the Nottingham Open, Raducanu suggested the grass court conditions are slower than they once were.

This is something she is wary of given the impact slow heavy conditions have on her wrists, and is preparing accordingly.

“I feel good. Physically I feel fine. It was important for me to take time to transition onto the grass because I think especially with the balls over the grass court season, they are so heavy,” the former World number 11 added.

“The conditions are just getting slower and slower on the grass courts, especially for myself having wrist surgeries, I just needed to prioritise the transition. I’m healthy.”