Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu is facing growing concerns over her form just weeks before the final Grand Slam of the year. Four years ago, Raducanu stunned the world by winning the US Open as a qualifier — not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. However, this time around, things look far less encouraging. The British star’s recent performances have raised serious doubts about her ability to repeat that magic in New York.
According to the latest WTA rankings, Raducanu currently sits at No. 38 — six places outside the top 32 seeds for the US Open. Without a seeding, she risks facing top players early in the draw, a potential setback in her bid for a strong run. Her recent losses, including a disappointing exit to Amanda Anisimova in the round of 32, have further hindered her momentum. Still, Raducanu has a chance to regain form by competing in upcoming tournaments like Cleveland or Monterrey, which could help her climb the rankings before the major event.
Last season, Raducanu skipped warm-up tournaments ahead of the US Open — a decision that now leaves her with no ranking points to defend. That gives her an opportunity to overtake players such as Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova if she performs well. However, whether she chooses to play these lead-up events remains uncertain. Adding to the scrutiny, tennis legend Martina Navratilova recently shared her perspective on Raducanu’s struggles, emphasizing the importance of consistency and long-term coaching.
Navratilova advised, “You need to stay with a coach for at least a year before judging progress. Emma has the talent, but she needs someone who can refine her game and help her mature. Training, nutrition, and body care are just as important.” She added, “Her performance against Sabalenka at Wimbledon showed signs of improvement, but patience is key.” With just 142 points separating her from the top 32, Raducanu’s chances of being seeded hinge on a strong showing in her next event. All eyes are now on how she handles the mounting pressure as the US Open draws near.
