Emma Raducanu’s Competitive Future
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is unlikely to return to competitive tennis until 2026 following her recent withdrawal from scheduled exhibition matches. This decision comes after her season concluded at the 2025 Ningbo Open, where she suffered a disappointing loss to Lin Zhu despite starting strong by winning the first set.
Challenges in Recent Performances
This pattern of struggle has been evident in her performances post-2025 US Open; she faced missed opportunities in recent tournaments, notably against Barbora Krejcikova and Jessica Pegula at the Korea Open and China Open. In both encounters, Raducanu held match points but fell short, highlighting a challenging end to her season.
Additionally, her experience at the 2025 Wuhan Open saw her retire from a match against Ann Li due to extreme weather, although that was not the reason for her withdrawal from the exhibitions.
Withdrawal from Exhibition Matches
Originally, Raducanu was set to compete against Amanda Anisimova on December 7th in Newark and December 8th in Miami, matches also featuring star player Carlos Alcaraz.
According to a report from the BBC, Raducanu has sustained light bruising on her right foot, prompting her to step back from these events to prevent aggravating the condition. While this injury is not classified as serious, she has decided to concentrate on training for the 2026 season instead.
Her off-season preparations will be guided by her new coach, Francisco Roig, who took on the role in August. Training in Barcelona—the coach’s home country—will allow Raducanu to benefit from Roig’s extensive experience, particularly from his time with Rafael Nadal.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu demonstrated promising elements during the current year, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2025 Miami Open and defeating Anisimova on two occasions. Nevertheless, it’s clear that focusing on improving consistency will be vital for her future success.
Changes in Exhibition Lineup
With Raducanu out of the exhibitions, Jessica Pegula has stepped in to take her place alongside Anisimova. Although both Pegula and Anisimova finished in the WTA Top 10 for 2025, they have yet to meet this year, their last encounter dating back to the 2024 National Bank Open, where Pegula triumphed in three sets.
Pegula has had a remarkable year herself, winning the Charleston Open and finishing as a finalist in both Miami and Wuhan, along with a semifinals appearance at the US Open against Aryna Sabalenka. Anisimova had a standout season, finishing as the runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open and claiming her first WTA 1000 titles in Qatar and China.
Along with Pegula and Anisimova, fellow American players Madison Keys and Coco Gauff also secured spots at the 2025 WTA Finals, showcasing the depth of talent in American women’s tennis.
