ROME — British tennis star Emma Raducanu is making waves once again on the WTA Tour, positioning herself for a potential new career-high in the rankings following a gritty start to her Italian Open campaign.
Currently ranked No. 49 in the world, Raducanu has seen a strong resurgence in form, signaling a major comeback after a long spell of injury struggles and inconsistent results. Her first-round victory over rising Australian teenager Maya Joint showcased the resilience and raw talent that took her to a historic US Open title in 2021. Raducanu battled through three intense sets, eventually triumphing 7-5, 6-7(1), 6-3 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.
The win sets up a high-stakes second-round clash against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, seeded 21st. Raducanu holds a 1-1 head-to-head record with the powerful baseliner, having beaten her earlier this year in a dramatic three-set contest. A victory in this round would likely propel Raducanu closer to the WTA Top 40 — and possibly past current British No. 1 Katie Boulter, who sits just ahead at No. 40.
A Comeback in Motion
Raducanu’s progress in Rome is her latest statement in a season that’s seen her claw back momentum after undergoing wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023. Critics questioned whether the 21-year-old could recapture the form that made her a global sensation, but recent results suggest that she may be rediscovering her spark.
“She’s hitting the ball with more confidence and playing without fear again,” said one WTA analyst. “There’s a real sense that Raducanu is growing into her game — she’s maturing both on and off the court.”
Raducanu herself has alluded to a more focused mindset, recently stating that she’s learned to tune out external noise and prioritize her health and happiness. Off the court, she’s kept a low profile in recent months, working closely with a revamped coaching team and cutting ties with past advisers she felt had lost her trust.
Eyes on Paris
With the French Open looming later this month, Raducanu’s strong performance in Rome could give her a significant confidence boost heading into Roland Garros. Although clay hasn’t traditionally been her strongest surface, her tactical adaptability and athleticism make her a dangerous opponent on any court.
Should Raducanu reach the quarterfinals or beyond in Rome, she stands to collect hundreds of valuable ranking points — potentially setting a new personal best and re-establishing herself as a top contender on the WTA Tour.
As the tennis world watches closely, Raducanu’s resurgence is quickly becoming one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 season.
