Emma Raducanu recently announced her withdrawal from the 2025 ASB Classic. On January 1, 2025, the Briton shared a somewhat cryptic update regarding her recovery.

Emma Raducanu had been training diligently for the 2025 season, with her campaign set to commence at the ASB Classic in Auckland. However, shortly before her scheduled match on Tuesday, December 31, the World No. 56 announced her withdrawal from the tournament citing “back niggle.”

“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,” Emma Raducanu said (via ESPN).

A few hours later, Raducanu shared a screenshot of her phone’s home screen on Instagram, accompanied by a New Year message. The screenshot also featured Brent Morgan’s “Gonna Be Okay,” seemingly hinting at her recovery.

The former US Open champion arrived in New Zealand several days ahead of the tournament to begin her preparations with coach Nick Cavaday and fitness trainer Yukata Nakamura, who has previously worked with top players like Naomi Osaka and Maria Sharapova.

Emma Raducanu struggled with recurring injury concerns over past two seasons

Raducanu’s career has been repeatedly affected by injuries. In 2023, she underwent a series of surgeries—one on her right ankle and two on her wrists—keeping her off the court for most of the season.

The Brit returned to the 2024 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, advancing to the round of 16. Her standout performance of the previous season was a semifinal finish at the Rothesay Nottingham Open. Moreover, she also reached the quarterfinals at the Stuttgart Open, Rothesay International, and the Citi Open.

However, another setback disrupted her progress following the North American hard-court swing. She sustained a foot injury during her Korea Open quarterfinal. Consequently, she was forced to miss the remainder of the Asian swing, including big events like the WTA 1000 tournaments in Wuhan and Beijing.

Later, after withdrawing from the Hong Kong Open, Raducanu expressed hope to be fit and ready for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup.

Hellooo, I’m sorry to say that I will not be able to play in Hong Kong next week. Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit. I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future! In the meantime, I am doing what I can to be ready for BJKC.”

In November, Raducanu represented Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup. Although the team couldn’t secure the title, the 22-year-old finished with a 100% win rate throughout the tournament. It remains to be seen if she returns at the 2025 Australian Open.