Emma Raducanu’s Health Challenges During Quarter-Finals
Emma Raducanu acknowledged that her health was not optimal during her defeat against Qinwen Zheng in the quarter-finals of the Queen’s Club Championships 2025. As women’s tennis made a triumphal return to the historic venue, fans were treated to a roster filled with local talent. Despite her efforts, Raducanu found herself outmatched by the tournament’s top seed Zheng, who secured a straightforward victory with scores of 6-2, 6-4.
Recent Performance and Physical Toll
Before this encounter, Raducanu had enjoyed a decent run, advancing through two singles matches and teaming up with Katie Boulter to win a doubles match. However, the cumulative toll began to affect her physically.
Post-match, Raducanu revealed she has been battling back issues for several weeks, a dilemma that originated during her match against Danielle Collins at the recent Strasbourg Open. This ongoing ailment had previously hindered her performance at the French Open, and now it resurfaced in her match at Queen’s.
Reflections and Preparations for Wimbledon
Reflecting on her back discomfort, the 2021 US Open champion expressed concern as she prepares for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.
“I’ve been dealing with back pain since Strasbourg. It’s been variable, and while I managed it well for a time, playing this many matches has certainly tested it,”
Raducanu stated. She mentioned that medical staff provided her with tape for stability and pain relief during the match.
Cautious Optimism for Upcoming Challenges
When questioned about the imminent Wimbledon tournament, her upcoming challenge, Raducanu showed a mix of caution and confidence.
“It’s been a persistent issue. I’ve had back problems before, but I’ve learned how to manage them. I’m not overly worried about it being something severe, but it’s definitely annoying and needs careful handling.”
Future Competitions and Decisions
Looking ahead, Raducanu is set to compete at the Berlin Open, a decision that raised eyebrows given the abundance of events in England. She rationalized her choice, emphasizing the value of participating in a high-caliber tournament like the WTA 500 in Berlin, explaining that she sought exposure to elite competition to prepare for future Grand Slams.
“I wanted to challenge myself and see where I stand against top-level players,”
Raducanu remarked, recalling her positive experiences from Nottingham last year.
As she considers traveling to Berlin, which commences on June 16, Raducanu is still undecided, indicating she will assess her recovery over the next few hours before finalizing her plans for the trip.
