British No.1 Raducanu Faces Wimbledon with Back Injury

Emma Raducanu, the British No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion, is approaching Wimbledon 2025 with cautious optimism, focusing on embracing the moment rather than setting high expectations due to ongoing back issues. She has had mixed results in her recent season, including early exits and a quarterfinal appearance in the Miami Open, and withdrew from the Auckland Open due to injury. Raducanu will face 17-year-old British wildcard Mingge 'Mimi' Xu in the first round, acknowledging the challenge posed by Xu's fearless play and noting their shared Chinese heritage. Raducanu's coach, Mark Petchey, has advised her to view 2025 as a fresh start and focus on consistency over perfection, helping her manage the pressure of past successes. Despite the physical and mental challenges, Raducanu is committed to enjoying her career and the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon, seeking to bring joy to her game amid the brevity of a tennis career. She also expressed a desire to improve her Mandarin through interactions with Xu's family, highlighting a personal connection beyond competition.