Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion and rising British tennis star, has withdrawn from the 2025 Berlin Open as she continues to manage a persistent back problem. This decision comes just over two weeks before the Wimbledon Championships, dealing a significant blow to her grass-court season preparations.
Raducanu, 22, has been struggling with back issues since her participation in the Strasbourg tournament prior to the French Open. The injury was aggravated during her recent run at the Rothesay Classic at Queen’s Club in London, where she took an off-court medical timeout during her quarter-final loss to Zheng Qinwen. Despite finishing that match, Raducanu acknowledged the ongoing nature of her back problem, describing it as a vulnerability she has faced before. “It’s been lingering for the last few weeks, and I have had back issues before,” she said. “It’s just a vulnerability of mine. I know I need to take good care of it. I need to let the back rest. It needs proper and careful management”.
Raducanu had accepted a wildcard entry into the WTA 500 Berlin Open, opting to compete there instead of Nottingham. The Berlin event, starting Monday, features nine of the top ten female players globally, making it a key tournament for players to fine-tune their games ahead of Wimbledon. Unfortunately, the back injury forced Raducanu to withdraw, halting her momentum at a crucial point in the season.
Her withdrawal means Raducanu will miss valuable match play on grass, which could impact her readiness for the upcoming major tournaments. However, she remains optimistic about her participation in the upcoming Eastbourne International from June 23-28, and Wimbledon, which begins on June 30. Last year, Raducanu had a breakthrough grass-court season, recording her first top-10 win against Jessica Pegula at Eastbourne and reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon. She is expected to aim for a similar performance this year, provided her back recovers adequately.
Raducanu’s current WTA ranking stands at No. 37, and she is set to reclaim her position as the British number one player when the rankings update on Monday. Her decision to prioritize recovery over immediate competition reflects a careful approach to managing her physical condition, especially given the importance of the grass-court season for her career trajectory. During her post-match press conference at Queen’s Club, she expressed uncertainty about the rest of her grass-court schedule but emphasized the need to listen to her body and manage the injury properly.
The tennis community will be watching closely to see how Raducanu’s recovery progresses. Her withdrawal from Berlin underscores the challenges athletes face in balancing competition with injury management. While it is a setback, Raducanu’s focus on long-term health and performance suggests she is taking the necessary steps to return to peak form for the season’s most prestigious events.
In conclusion, Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the Berlin Open due to a lingering back injury highlights the physical challenges she is currently facing. Although it interrupts her competitive rhythm, it is a strategic move aimed at ensuring she can compete effectively in the upcoming Eastbourne tournament and Wimbledon. As she continues to manage this vulnerability, fans and analysts alike remain hopeful for her return to top-level tennis later this month.