Emma Raducanu accepts qualifying wildcard in Abu Dhabi

Emma Raducanu returns to Abu Dhabi Open qualifiers after 2021 US Open win, competing in preliminary rounds with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura.

Raducanu

Emma Raducanu has accepted a qualifying wildcard for the Abu Dhabi Open, signaling her intent to play more events this year and embrace the full-on tour grind. The 22-year-old British tennis star, who made history by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, will enter the qualifying draw for the first time since her Grand Slam victory.

Raducanu’s decision to participate in the Abu Dhabi Open comes after a challenging start to her 2025 season. She recently lost in the first round of the Singapore Open to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in a three-hour battle. Despite the setback, Raducanu is determined to build momentum and compete in more tournaments this year.

Last season, Raducanu played only 13 tournaments, fewer than most of the top 100 players. This year, she aims to play a more full schedule and has taken significant steps to achieve this goal. One of the most notable changes has been hiring Maria Sharapova’s former fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, to help her stay on the road and build fitness between events.

Raducanu is currently without a full-time coach after Nick Cavaday stepped away for health reasons. She is traveling with Nakamura, who is her only team member at the moment. Despite the challenges, Raducanu remains focused on her goal of playing more and improving her performance on the court.

The Abu Dhabi Open will feature many of the world’s top female players, including defending champion Elena Rybakina, Belinda Bencic, Daria Kasatkina, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Paula Badosa, and Ons Jabeur. Raducanu will need to win two qualifying matches to secure a spot in the main draw.

Raducanu’s journey in Abu Dhabi will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as she continues to navigate the challenges of professional tennis and strive for consistency and success.

 

Emma Raducanu in 2025

Emma Raducanu

3 - 5win/loss

Hard
3-4
I Hard
0-1
22 year old
LWLLLLWW
2025 Highlights

Now ranked no.56, Emma played her last match on the 27th of January when she was defeated by world no.101 Cristina Bucsa 5-7 7-5 7-5 in the 1st round in Singapore (draw).

Currently, during this season the Brit achieved a composed 2-2 record.

Raducanu
Singapore
Raducanu's Record