Emma Raducanu hints at early retirement fears as road to recovery left British star doubtful
Emma Raducanu had doubts about her return from surgery
PA
Emma Raducanu has suggested that she feared for her fledgling tennis career after undergoing surgery last year before making her return.
The former British No 1 burst onto the scene three years ago where she went on to create history by winning the US Open.
But injury and fitness troubles began to plague Raducanu's career soon after as she attempted to gain a foothold on the WTA Tour.
The British tennis star took the decision to undergo three surgeries last year, which left her needing assistance to get around.
Emma Raducanu had doubts about her return from surgery
PA
Raducanu made her comeback at the start of 2024, but it's been slow progress for the 21-year-old.
She skipped the French Open after not being given a wildcard for the main draw with her focus now turning to the grasscourt season, starting with the Nottingham Open this week.
And Raducanu is not taking anything for granted having feared the worst during her road to recovery.
"It was pretty surreal because obviously I couldn't be on crutches because I'd had two wrist surgeries," she said.
"So I had a cast on one hand - I'd timed it so I didn't have two casts at the same time, obviously - a splint on the other and my ankle was also pretty much immobilised, in a splint and stitches.
"So I would just scooter around with one knee. As someone who is so active it's difficult to just shut your body down.
"I think it's very easy for me to lose sight of where I was exactly a year ago because it is pretty much a year ago to this day, this month.
"You get so caught up in your own world that you want more and more and more. But a year ago I was on a scooter scooting around and I didn't know - there was an element of doubt.
Emma Raducanu is back in action in Nottingham this week
PA
"To be healthy and to be here, I need to cherish it. So thanks for reminding me to do that.
"Body-wise, physical-wise, I feel really healthy. I feel really strong. I've done amazing work with my trainer over the last few months, since surgery.
"I'm in a really fit place. I think my wrists are actually in a better position than they ever were.
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Emma Raducanu is working with Jane O'Donoghue again
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"So there's zero doubt or apprehension whether I'm hitting the ball or designing my schedule.
"It's more about being proactive and not wanting to put yourself in any unnecessary situations."
Raducanu is back working with Jane O'Donoghue this week in Nottingham, who is said to be stepping in for Nick Cavaday who is currently unwell.
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