Emma Raducanu Reflects on Injury Setback and Embraces “Starting Engines” During Downtime in London
Following a foot injury that forced her to retire early from the Korean Open, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been sharing glimpses of her recuperation and reflections on social media. The injury, sustained during her quarterfinal match against Russia’s Daria Kasatkina on September 21, led to a medical timeout that quickly evolved into a walkover win for Kasatkina, with the final score standing at 6-1. Since then, Raducanu has withdrawn from subsequent tournaments, including the China Open and the upcoming Hong Kong Open, set to be held from October 28 to November 3.
On Instagram, Raducanu posted a series of videos titled “A week of starting the engines.” The clips showcased a mix of her recovery routines in London, including moments on the tennis court, gym workouts, scenic shots of the city, and quality time spent with family. Her caption signaled optimism and motivation as she slowly gets back into physical training while allowing herself time to heal. The updates offered fans a look into her resilience and determination to bounce back from this injury as soon as possible.
In an interview with Women’s Health, Raducanu opened up about the lessons she has taken away from this challenging period. Reflecting on the idea of “non-attachment,” the 21-year-old shared that she has come to appreciate the transient nature of both life and tennis. “There has been a lot of volatility over the past three years. And I think the most I’ve come into myself has been in the last few weeks,” she revealed. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes. Every moment is fleeting, and how you interact with the present dictates how you feel, the quality of your work, the quality of your relationships, and how much the people around you enjoy being with you,” she said via The Daily Mail.
Raducanu’s reflections also centered on the importance of “accepting things” instead of viewing setbacks as purely negative events. Using her current injury as an example, she shared how she has worked to shift her perspective. “I’ve taught myself not to label things as black or white. For example, with this injury, I’m trying to catch myself and stop labelling it as like, ‘Oh, I’m so unlucky, this is so bad.’ I’ve learned to accept things and reframe them,” she noted. Instead of focusing on what she can’t do, she has prioritized low-impact exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, to stay active and maintain her fitness.
The British player’s journey this year has been filled with both highs and lows. Despite her recent setbacks, she has delivered some promising performances, reaching the semifinals at the Nottingham Open and advancing to the quarterfinals in both the Eastbourne International and the Citi Open. These achievements reflect Raducanu’s potential and determination, showcasing the young athlete’s tenacity even amidst injuries and recovery periods.
Raducanu’s post-injury reflections hint at a renewed mental resilience, an attitude that could bolster her return to competitive play. Her downtime in London appears to have provided her not only with physical recovery but also with a chance to mature and approach challenges from a new perspective. As she takes this time to heal, fans worldwide are undoubtedly rooting for her comeback, hopeful that Raducanu will soon bring her powerful game back to the courts.
