By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday January 2, 2023
Emma Raducanu is back in good health and ready to make an impact in 2023.
Photo Source: Getty
Emma Raducanu had to cut her 2022 season short due to a wrist injury, the British star ending a season that was marred by injuries with a 17-19 record and a ranking of 78, but she’s been gearing up for 2023 since, and knows exactly what she wants to get out of the season.
A title.
The 2021 US Open champion clearly has what it takes to win one, we saw that when she stormed to the title at Flushing Meadows all the way from qualifying, but she has not been able to replicate the magic since.
“For a results goal I’d say it’s to win a title, and three I’d say is to be playing fearless tennis,” she told Reem Abulleil.
In addition to the title, Raducanu has two other goals in mind: She’d like to play without fear and to stay healthy.
“Just not thinking about consequences,” she said of her desire. “Just going for it.”
On Tuesday in Auckland, Raducanu took the first step in the right direction, completing a three-set victory over rising teenager Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. She will face Viktoria Kuzmova in the second round.
Raducanu has worked hard on her fitness this winter, even if her court time has been limited. She has spent time with Jez Green, the man who has worked with Andy Murray and Alexander in the past, to build her physical base. She hopes the hard words will turn into better luck with the injuries that forced her to play in fits and starts during her first full season on tour.
“Jez is really good, he’s obviously so experienced, he’s worked with some of the top players, he’s been there through the journey with a lot of players who were young and then developed into top, top pros,” Raducanu said. “It’s amazing to have him in my corner and helping me out right now. We’ve just been focusing on strength, cardio and just improving all round.”
In a full feature for WTATennis.com, Raducanu told Abulleil that she will know more about what to expect from a full season in 2023.
“So for 2023 my goal is to stay healthy for longer,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working hard because I’ve got a better idea of what to expect now. So I’ll be less like a deer in the headlights.”