Emma Raducanu discusses injury struggles following Jack Draper’s absence from Australian Open
Emma Raducanu has opened up on her struggles with injuries following Jack Draper’s absence from the Australian Open, reports BritPanorama.
Draper has only competed in one match since Wimbledon due to bone bruising in his left arm and was unable to recover in time for the start of the current season.
The 24-year-old was expected to partner with fellow British No. 1 Raducanu at the United Cup to kick off 2026 before heading to the Australian Open but is now planning to return at next month’s Davis Cup tie against Norway.
Raducanu, who is 23, expressed empathy for Draper, having missed three Grand Slam events, including Wimbledon, in 2023 due to operations on both wrists and an ankle. She reflected, “It’s really difficult. For me, when I missed Grand Slams, I couldn’t watch them because it was too raw, too tough to watch.”
Raducanu added, “I’m not sure what he’s up to but I found it really difficult so it can’t be easy. But I know just working on the right things day to day, just trying to stay in your zone, your bubble, is the best way to get through it.”
She also faced doubts regarding her participation in the Australian Open after experiencing a foot problem during the pre-season that left her playing catch-up. However, she managed to recover just in time and secured a victory in her opening match against Mananchaya Sawangkaew.
Discussing her recovery, Raducanu noted, “I think the hardest thing is moving, seeing the ball. It’s something that you take for granted when you’ve played a few matches and you’re in a good momentum.”
Raducanu was not pleased about being scheduled for the night session on Sunday for her opening match. With that victory behind her, she now has two days to prepare for a second-round encounter with Russian-turned-Austrian player Anastasia Potapova. They have not faced each other previously, but Raducanu has long been aware of Potapova’s talent.
She remarked, “I remember watching Anastasia all through juniors. I was the year below her. She was always the player to watch and beat through juniors. She’s been very high ranked, as well, in the pros. A big hitter. I know it’s going to be a really tricky one. I need to just gather my strength and prepare as best as possible.”
In the stands will be Raducanu’s super fan, James Bray, whose enthusiasm has been notable during her matches. He expressed his excitement, saying, “Her agent reached out, I’ve got tickets to the next match, so I’m hoping she makes the Grand Slam final because I would love to go to Rod Laver Arena.”
Raducanu’s journey of recovery and resilience offers a poignant reminder of the challenges athletes face, further emphasized by the tight-knit community that rallies around them in times of struggle. The sport continues to navigate an intricate dance between personal setbacks and the competitive spirit that defines it.
