There is an increased optimism that former US Open champion Emma Raducanu will be fit in time for the new season after her Billie Jean King Cup captain provided a new update on her health.
The 19-year-old Brit was forced to cut her season short due to a wrist injury which has also prompted her to withdraw from the team competition which is taking place in Glasgow this year. Raducanu had planned to play events in Romania and Mexico before the injury occurred in what is the latest of a series of physical setbacks for her this season. She has also been hindered by blisters, a side strain, hip and back problems.
However, British team captain Anne Keothavong has told BBC Sport that the prognosis of Raducanu’s latest injury is positive. Although the tennis star doesn’t have enough time to fully recover to play at the Billie Jean King Cup.
“Right now, from what I understand, it’s something she will recover from – and she’s confident of that,” Keothavong told BBC Sport.
“She just needs a bit more time and Billie Jean King Cup is too soon.
“Wrist injuries are never easy, but I think this one is under control. She’s got good people around her, and she’s used her time to really work on other areas of her fitness.”
As it currently stands the world No.76 is training alongside Jez Green who has a wealth of experience. Green was a physical conditioning and fitness trainer for Andy Murray between 2006-2015. He has also worked with Thomas Berdych, Alexander Zverev and the USTA.
“She’s been putting the hours in – she’s looking super fit,” Keothavong later added.
“She’s been putting a lot of physical effort in the gym, and I think she will be a stronger player come next year.
“She did everything she could have done to be fit, but it just wasn’t going to happen.
“She went to the court and tried hitting a few balls, but it wasn’t ideal and she just needs more time.”
After being the first British woman in 44 years to win a major title at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has found it tough going on the Tour. She has won 17 out of 35 matches played this season with her best tournament result being a run to the semi-finals of the Korean Open before retiring injured from her match against Jelena Ostapenko. She also reached the quarter-finals of the Citi Open in Washington and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
Raducanu is scheduled to play an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi next month.
