The Australian Open is here, and the excitement is undeniable, but for Emma Raducanu, the journey to Melbourne feels like navigating uncharted waters. The British star, once hailed as the future of tennis after her 2021 US Open triumph, is now facing a storm of challenges, with health concerns taking center stage. Adding fuel to the conversation is former Serena Williams‘ coach Rennae Stubbs, who has issued a stern warning about the physical demands of the Australian Open.

The 53-year-old engaged in an interaction alongside John McEnroe as the duo previewed the tournament for ESPN on January 8. When the discussion shifted towards what the Australian Open might look like for Raducanu, Stubbs shared an honest take highlighting that her physicality will be the biggest for her. She also highlighted that remaining fit and playing back-to-back matches can put a toll on her and create substantial challenges at the tournament. 

Speaking in the interview, Stubbs said, “I think the most successful thing that can happen for Emma is that she doesn’t have injuries. She has to have some consistent play throughout the whole year and not default matches, not pull out of tournaments. It’s already happened in Auckland.” Remember, despite preparing for the ASB Classic, Raducanu decided to withdraw from the tournament owing to a back injury. “I’ve tried my best to be ready, I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time,” she had remarked. And now, with the Australian Open entering the picture, Stubbs believes that the Brit will have to overcome health struggles to prove her mettle. 

“So these are all questions that you have to ask Emma is what is her body capable of doing. We know what she’s capable of doing on the tennis court. She’s an incredibly good player. She’s consistent on all sides, got a good serve. There’s no real true weaknesses. But as far as Emma is concerned, it’s just the physicality. She’s got to be able to hit — get out there and play five, six matches to win tournaments week after week after week,” Serena Williams‘ ex-coach added. She also shared that it will be crucial to see how Raducanu’s new fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, who joined forces with her in December, will help Raducanu in her campaign. Stubbs also added that if the 22-year-old manages to overcome her health woes, she will once again return to her dominant self. 

Raducanu’s tryst with injuries is not new. Raducanu returned to action last year after surgeries on both wrists and one ankle. However, she could not manage to play a lot of tournaments and participated in only 14 of them besides the BJK Cup. At the Korea Open, she withdrew after suffering a foot injury during her quarterfinal clash against Daria Kasatkina which also forced her to pull out from several other tournaments during the Asian Swing as well. However, when she returned for the BJK Cup, she seemed to be at her peak. 

Emma Raducanu won all five matches she played in Malaga, despite her team not winning the title. This established the fact that an injury-free Raducanu can turn out to be lethal for her opponents. Meanwhile, amid the concerns being voiced by Stubbs, Raducanu is showing some positive signs about her Australian Open preparedness.

Emma Raducanu showing positive signs of return after injury

Emma Raducanu might have failed to win enough recently but her resilience cannot be ignored. Despite starting her season as No. 285 last year, she managed to rise extensively and closed the year as World No. 58. Hence, there is a huge possibility that she can easily overcome her challenges and become a formidable face in the Australian Open, that can also be evidenced by some positive updates that have emerged. 

Raducanu was spotted hitting with French WTA Star Caroline Garcia and the Kazhak sensation Elena Rybakina at the Melbourne venue. The visuals did not show any sign of a recurring back problem, thereby raising hopes. Besides, she also posted some pictures from Australia hinting that she is preparing extensively for the tournament. Remember, Raducanu had expressed her desire to play more this season. 

In an interview in December, she said, “I want to play more than I did this year, I think now, with my set-up, I’m in a place where I can continue work on the road.” Now, with the latest visuals of her practice sessions taking center stage, fans can anticipate a remarkable return from her. Can she script a remarkable comeback by clinching the title? That remains to be seen.