After a slow but steady return to form in 2025, the new season should have seen Emma Raducanu continue on that trajectory. But those hopes were swiftly cut short as she withdrew from her opener against Naomi Osaka at the United Cup and went on to lose to Greece’s Maria Sakkari. In fact, Raducanu’s troubles began even before the match started.

For context, the 23-year-old had to warm up under unusual circumstances in a pitch-dark practice court ahead of her clash against Sakkari. The outdoor practice courts at the RAC Arena in Perth don’t have floodlights, though her team, Francisco Roig and Emma Stewart, could be seen trying to make do with their phones’ flashlights.

“This was just a moment ago out on the outside practice court here, sort of in the car park. And there’s no lights out there so teammates with their phone lights to help proceedings. You can see, there’s a road behind them, which helps,” said iconic Australian commentator David Culbert.

Meanwhile, former tennis player John Fitzgerald quipped, “It’s all about approach; if you can hit the ball in the dark, imagine what you can do in here!”

Ultimately, however, Fitzgerald was proven wrong. Raducanu came into the match with a spotless 4-0 record against Maria Sakkari and had never dropped a set to the world No. 51. But this time, Sakkari turned the tables, rallying from an early deficit to secure Greece’s place in the United Cup quarter-finals.

Playing her first match in 83 days, Raducanu made a strong start by breaking serve in the opening game and quickly moving ahead 2-0. The momentum didn’t last, though, as she lost six of the next seven games. On set point, a forehand sailed long, handing Sakkari a 6-3 first set.

Early in the second set, Raducanu tried to reset. After saving two break points, she spoke with team captain Tim Henman and coach Francisco Roig, saying she didn’t want to play any more “high balls” to Sakkari. The Brit showed more intent, but converting chances remained a challenge, with Sakkari capitalizing on her lack of killer instinct on the night.

One final Raducanu error sealed it, earning Sakkari her first win over the Brit in five meetings. “It feels amazing,” Sakkari said afterward, thanking the fans and her team for their support late into the night.

The Brit has struggled to gain momentum and fitness since her exit at the US Open, and it showed in Perth. And after pulling out of two exhibitions in December due to a foot injury, the 23-year-old looked rusty on court in her bid to get some match fitness ahead of the Australian Open.

Emma Raducanu’s late-season fitness woes

Team GB captain Tim Henman confirmed on Sunday that Emma Raducanu was dealing with bruising in her right foot, ruling her out of action against Naomi Osaka. While disappointing, Raducanu has struggled to put together a string of matches since her defeat to Elena Rybakina at the US Open.

Following that, Raducanu headed to Seoul for the Korea Open, where she bowed out to Barbora Krecjikova in the second round. Then, at the China Open, she failed to make good on three match points in another second-round defeat to Jessica Pegula.

Top Stories

Alexander Zverev Snaps at Father as Hubert Hurkacz’s Leaves Him Fuming at United Cup: “Guy Can Barely F**** Walk”

Novak Djokovic Makes Concerning Statement Amid Withdrawal From Australian Open Warm-Up

Martina Navratilova Offers Blunt 2-Word Take On America’s Venezuela Oil Sanctions

Australian Open Announces Massive Hike in Pay for Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, & Others

Venus Williams’ Auckland Swing Ends Early but With an Important Twist

Her woes continued at the Wuhan Open, where she was forced to retire in the first round after struggling with the heat and humidity. Her next tournament was the Ningbo Open, where she struggled physically once again, this time with a back issue, in a 3-set loss to China’s Zhu Lin. It’s an injury that had flared up at various points throughout the season, but on this occasion, combined with her various other struggles, it forced Emma Raducanu to cut her season short.

But now with another injury to worry about, it looks like Raducanu’s start to the season isn’t going to be as straightforward as she might have hoped. As of now, she’s headed to the WTA event in Hobart next week before the Australian Open kicks off on January 18. Do you think Emma Raducanu will be able to shake off her injury troubles this season?