Emma Raducanu gives Wimbledon fitness update and makes confession about her expectations

Ewan West 29 Jun 2025 4:42 PM

Emma Raducanu speaks to the media

Emma Raducanu has spoken candidly about her expectations for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships and gave an update on her fitness.

The 2021 US Open champion, who is the world No 38, is the top-ranked British woman at Wimbledon as she sits three spots ahead of Katie Boulter.

Raducanu has reached the fourth round twice in her three career Wimbledon appearances: last year and also on her debut in 2021. She exited in the second round in 2022.

The 22-year-old posted a 3-2 record across her two pre-Wimbledon grass-court events as she reached the quarter-finals of the Queen’s Club WTA 500 and the second round at the WTA 250 in Eastbourne.

In her pre-tournament press conference, Raducanu addressed the recurring back issue she has been troubled by during the grass season.

“It’s just been managing, as I’ve said the last few weeks,” Raducanu explained.

“I wouldn’t say it’s 100%, but a lot of the time with tennis players, nothing is ever 100%. So just taking it as it comes.”

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The Brit was asked about her preparation and what her mindset is going into this year’s Championships.

“Mindset… Truthfully, I don’t expect much from myself this year,” Raducanu admitted.

“I know I’ve just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment. I want to embrace the occasion.

“I know there’s not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon. You get it once a year and for a finite amount of time. I’m just looking forward to going out there and feeling the surroundings and the atmosphere.”

The former world No 10 also revealed she expects her first round match against 17-year-old British wildcard Mimi Xu to be a tough assignment.

“Yeah, I think it’s a very dangerous match, very difficult,” she assessed.

“I think Mimi is a really, really good player. I practised with her a few times. A lot of weapons. Also moves really well. It’s going to be a really different match.

“For her, it’s one where there’s nothing to lose. I remember when I had my first Wimbledon here and I was 18. It’s a great feeling. You just feel, like, completely fearless.

“So I think for me, it’s going to be a challenge, but one that I’m looking forward to and I’m ready for.”