Emma Raducanu has demonstrated notable progress throughout 2025, yet she recently faced another injury challenge that compelled her to withdraw from an important event. The British tennis star, who clinched the US Open title in 2021, withdrew from the Berlin WTA 500 tournament as she manages a back injury ahead of Wimbledon.
Raducanu’s year had a slow start, securing only three victories in her first six tournaments. However, she improved her form significantly by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Miami WTA 1000 event, where she defeated competitors such as Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova. Transitioning to the clay season, she secured wins in all four events she entered, signaling a positive upswing.
Her confidence carried into her inaugural grass-court tournament of the year, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the Queen’s Club event before losing to China’s Qinwen Zheng in straight sets. Although expected to compete in Berlin, Raducanu opted out to prioritize recovery and preparation for Wimbledon, the Grand Slam that takes place on her home turf starting June 30.
Andy Roddick Shares His Perspective on Raducanu’s Withdrawal Decisions
Former world number one Andy Roddick recently addressed Raducanu’s withdrawal from the Berlin tournament during an episode of Served with Andy Roddick. At 42, he offered insight into what he perceives as a recurring pattern in Raducanu’s approach to injury management and tournament participation.
I don’t know, I say this sensitively, when I hear this, I think it’s just her thing,
Roddick remarked. He explained that some athletes feel the need to be at peak physical condition before competing, while others are willing to push through discomfort. In Raducanu’s case, the mindset seems to lean toward waiting until she feels nearly perfect to return.
He reflected on his own experience, saying,
“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.”
Roddick emphasized there is no single right or wrong approach, but this cautious attitude appears consistent with Raducanu’s behavior.
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.
—Andy Roddick, Former World No. 1
Jon Wertheim, Roddick’s co-host on the podcast, concurred by placing Raducanu’s decisions in the context of her career and current status. He highlighted that as the top British player ranked within the top 40, Raducanu faces growing expectations and the possibility of being seeded at Wimbledon.
I think, context and given her track record, it’s not surprising,
Wertheim said, explaining,
“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%.”
Wertheim also pointed out that Raducanu’s cautious approach to physical readiness is nothing new.
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.
—Jon Wertheim, Tennis Analyst
Reviewing Raducanu’s Strongest Season Yet in 2025
Despite the setback, Roddick praised Raducanu’s 2025 campaign as arguably the most consistent phase of her professional tennis career.
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 explained, underscoring the progress the 22-year-old has made in maintaining steadier form and increasingly reliable performances.
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Raducanu’s hope is to recover fully and compete at her home Grand Slam with the kind of physical and mental readiness she aims for.
A History of Injuries Has Marked Raducanu’s Career Thus Far
Emma Raducanu’s career has been punctuated by a series of injuries that have interrupted her rhythm and forced multiple withdrawals from tournaments, as well as retirements mid-match over recent years. These issues range from back problems to leg cramps, pain in various areas, and other physical setbacks.
Some notable instances include:
- 2021 Wimbledon Fourth Round – Retired mid-match because of breathing difficulties
- 2022 Abierto Zapopan (Guadalajara) First Round – Retired mid-match with leg cramps and fatigue
- 2022 Italian Open First Round – Retired mid-match due to back injury
- 2022 Nottingham Open First Round – Retired mid-match with pain in her left side
- 2022 Korea Open Semifinals – Retired mid-match due to pain in left glute and back
- 2023 ASB Classic Second Round – Retired mid-match due to ankle injury
- 2023 Madrid Open First Round – Retired pre-match with wrist injury
- 2024 Miami Open First Round – Retired pre-match due to lower back injury
- 2024 Korea Open Quarterfinals – Retired mid-match due to left foot injury
- 2025 ASB Classic First Round – Retired pre-match owing to back injury
- 2025 Berlin Open – Withdrew before tournament because of back injury
The accumulation of these physical challenges raises questions about Raducanu’s ability to maintain a consistent presence in top-level competitions without injury interruptions. Observers will closely watch how effectively she manages her back problems, especially in preparation for the upcoming Wimbledon event.
Preparing for the Upcoming Wimbledon Championship
Wimbledon, set to begin on Monday, June 30, represents a major opportunity for Raducanu to solidify her comeback on the grass courts of her homeland. As a home Grand Slam, it carries significant emotional and professional weight for the 22-year-old champion. Her recovery from the recent back injury and subsequent decision to withdraw from Berlin highlight a careful approach to ensuring she competes in optimal condition.
With the support of experts and former champions like Andy Roddick, Raducanu’s cautious method in managing injuries could potentially extend her career longevity, helping her to meet the growing expectations placed on her shoulders. Fans and analysts alike will be attentive to her performance this summer, hoping to witness her return to peak form on tennis’s grandest stages.