Emma Raducanu's resurgence in 2025 has been one of the most uplifting stories on the WTA tour, with her latest form propelling her up 13 places to world No. 33—her highest ranking since 2022—and reclaiming the title of British No. 1.
A Return to Form
This remarkable leap comes off the back of a highly encouraging summer hard-court swing. At the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Raducanu advanced to the semi-finals—defeating the likes of Naomi Osaka, Maria Sakkari, and Marta Kostyuk—before falling to Anna Kalinskaya in the last four. Those performances were enough to trigger her climb in the rankings and signal a return of the player fans glimpsed during her 2021 US Open breakthrough.
Momentum in Montreal
Raducanu entered the National Bank Open in Montreal brimming with confidence. She opened her campaign with a 6‑2, 6‑4 win over Romanian Elena‑Gabriela Ruse, displaying composure—saving five break points in her first service game and winning five straight to close out the first set. Notably, Ruse is a close friend, with whom Raducanu shares a personal history on and off court. Despite the emotional complexity, Raducanu's professionalism shone through: "I put that to one side… backed up a good week last week in DC."
Rising to 33rd Spot
The ranking bump to No. 33 marks a significant milestone: it positions her within reach of being seeded at the US Open for the first time since 2022, bringing a long-term goal within view. Experts and media outlets have highlighted it as a career-best resurgence, reflecting how much stronger and confident she has become in recent months.
Statistical Milestones
Her improved results have also placed her in rare British company. Raducanu reached her 21st WTA 1000 main-draw win of 2025, matching a level few compatriots have achieved—only Johanna Konta and Heather Watson have more in a single season. That stat underlines how consistent she has become in high-stakes tournaments.
What's Changed?
Coaching stability: Raducanu settled into a consistent partnership with Mark Petchey in recent months, delivering greater clarity and continuity after a period of frequent coaching changes.
Fitness recovery: With fewer injuries in 2025 and the guidance of new fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, she has played more tournaments—16 so far this year, surpassing her total in all of 2024—and maintained strong physical form into late July.
Challenges Remain
After beating Payton Stearns 6-2, 6-4 in the second round, Raducanu’s hot form hit a bump in Montreal when she was eliminated 6‑2, 6‑1 by Amanda Anisimova in the third round. She held serve just once per set and struggled to create break opportunities. Furthermore, in Washington she retired from doubles and cited fatigue—as well as a headache—showing the fragility that still lingers from previous years of injuries.
However, even in defeat, her overall trajectory remains upward, and her ability to bounce back has been repeatedly evident.
Looking Ahead
With ranking points still to accrue in Montreal and the Cincinnati Open soon to follow, Raducanu has every opportunity to crack the top 32, which will earn her seeded entry at the 2025 US Open. That, in turn, may open doors to deeper tournament runs and long-term stability in her performance.
As the new British No. 1 who now ranks inside the world’s top 33, Emma Raducanu looks to be enjoying one of her best seasons since her meteoric rise in 2021. Her upward momentum suggests this is no flash in the pan—rather, the emergence of a renewed, resilient competitor in world tennis.
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