Raducanu in 'really fit place' as grass season begins

Britain’s Emma Raducanu says she is in a “really fit place” as she prepares to start her grass-court season at the Nottingham Open.

The 21-year-old skipped the French Open to focus on her fitness, having not played since losing in the first round of the Madrid Open in April.

Raducanu, who had wrist and ankle operations last year, faces Japan’s Ena Shibahara in the Nottingham first round on Tuesday.

“Body-wise, physical-wise, I feel really healthy. I feel really strong,” said Raducanu, who played her first WTA match at Nottingham in 2021 before going on to win the US Open later that year.

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.

“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 had surgery on her right wrist and an ankle in May last year before a further operation followed on her left wrist.

It required her to use a mobility scooter to get around, with her admitting it was difficult to “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,” she said.

“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.

“To be healthy and to be here, I need to cherish it.”