Emma Radcuanu causes stir by admitting she wants to 'play less' in 2026
NewsTuesday, 23 December 2025 at 14:50
Emma Raducanu gave an obvious hint that her schedule will be different next season in a recent interview.
The 2021 US Open women's singles champion had a mixed 2025. Highlights included reaching the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals and beating Amanda Anisimova twice, but she also suffered some tough losses and was inconsistent at times.
During the Asian swing, Raducanu was hampered by foot and back issues and an illness. She chose to end her season after losing to Lin Zhu in the 2025 Ningbo Open, one of her worst defeats of the year.
Although physical problems have been persistent, worrying some since Raducanu is still just 23, the Briton said she felt in a good place heading into the 2026 WTA season during an interview on the BBC's Today Programme.
"I feel quite content with how things are going on and off the court. I’m in a pretty good place. I just think, despite any challenges I have been facing with the foot or the health at the end of the season, I feel in a good place, and I’m building back in the gym, to start with."
"And I’m feeling pretty relaxed ahead of next year, which is a good place to be. And I’m just proud of the season that I put in this year and the progress I have made."
Raducanu has worked with Francisco Roig, Rafael Nadal's former team member and Matteo Berrettini's ex-coach, since August. While outlining why she is happy with her current setup, Raducanu mentioned not wanting to play as much next year.
"I think actually doing it and putting yourself in a position to do it rather than necessarily having in your head, I’m gonna go home — that helped. I would say that next year, I hope to play less than I did this year. But I think also just incorporating into my warm-ups, fitness, so it’s not necessarily just my fitness sessions are like separate."
"You just have to try and drip feed as much as you can in for the overall health of your body, little and often, I think is the biggest thing that’s helped. And most of all, I think I found a lot more peace with myself and I’m a lot happier with how I’m approaching my tennis and how I’m approaching the team that I have and just what I’m doing and the environment that I have."
"And most of all, I think I found a lot more peace with myself and I’m a lot happier with how I’m approaching my tennis and how I’m approaching the team that I have and just what I’m doing and the environment that I have."
Raducanu's comments are interesting, as she has previously faced criticism for not playing enough. Andy Roddick was among those who critiqued her 2024 US Open buildup and lack of matches after her Miami Open run.
It is uncertain whether wanting to play less is entirely her decision or being influenced by other team members. Regardless of how often she competes, Raducanu has a few things she must improve to reach the top.
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