Emma Raducanu suffered a secret injury that prompted her decision not to play many build-up matches before the US Open back in August, according to reports.
The 21-year-old won the major back in 2021, writing her name into the tennis history books in the process.
But the Briton was sent crashing out of the Grand Slam in the first round after losing to Sofia Kenin in three sets.
After the match, Raducanu’s schedule was scrutinised – having played just one hard-tournament beforehand.
Emma Raducanu suffered a secret injury that prompted her decision not to play many build-up matches before the US Open back in August
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The tennis star vowed to learn from the experience, insisting she would manage her calendar better in the future.
According to The Telegraph, however, Raducanu was actually suffering from a secret injury that she chose not to publicise.
It’s claimed the youngster suffered an ‘abdominal strain’ at the start of August.
Raducanu reportedly suffered this setback after a locum fitness trainer setting up her training machine put it at an ‘unexpectedly high weight’.
The report also says that Raducanu is in talks with Maria Sharapova’s former fitness trainer as she looks to turn her career around.
While she’s climbed up to world No 58, having started 2024 as the world No 301, she’s still struggled to stay fit this year.
Raducanu has been forced to miss the last five tournaments she’d been scheduled to appear in due to spraining her foot ligaments.
She is widely expected to appear at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which take place later this month.
Raducanu has faced plenty of criticism in the years since her sensational US Open win.
However, speaking recently to Women’s Health, she insisted the future was bright and that the people around her will continue to provide their support.
“There has been a lot of volatility over the past three years,” she said.
“And I think the most I’ve come into myself has been in the last few weeks.
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Emma Raducanu has struggled ever since winning the US Open in 2021PA
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes.
“Every moment is fleeting, and how you interact with the present dictates how you feel, the quality of your work, the quality of your relationships, and how much the people around you enjoy being with you.
“I’ve taught myself not to label things as black or white.
“For example, with this injury, I’m trying to catch myself and stop labelling it as like, ‘Oh, I’m so unlucky, this is so bad.’
Emma Raducanu was outplayed by Sofia Kenin in their US Open clash back in August
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“I’ve learnt to accept things and reframe them. I’m not completely unable to exercise, so I’ll still do things like yoga or Pilates – low-impact exercise, so I’m focusing on that.
“I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks, to be honest.”