Tim Henman has offered an encouraging update on Emma Raducanu’s progress as the former US Open champion builds momentum ahead of the Australian Open, with her return to the WTA top 30 standing as one of the most positive storylines of the 2025 season so far.
Raducanu’s rise back into the upper tier of women’s tennis rankings marks a significant milestone after a period defined by injuries, inconsistency, and intense scrutiny. Having spent much of the previous seasons outside the elite bracket, the Briton has pieced together an impressive run of form in 2025, combining improved physical durability with a more settled approach to her game. That progress has not gone unnoticed, particularly by Henman, who has closely followed her development both as a former British number one and as a long-time analyst of the women’s tour.
Speaking about Raducanu’s recent performances, Henman highlighted the importance of continuity and match play, stressing that her ranking climb is a reflection of sustained work rather than isolated results. He pointed to her increased confidence in extended rallies, sharper movement, and more assertive shot selection as key indicators that her game is trending in the right direction. According to Henman, Raducanu now looks more comfortable managing the physical demands of the tour, something that had previously disrupted her progress.
The 2025 season has seen Raducanu string together consistent results across multiple tournaments, allowing her to accumulate ranking points steadily rather than relying on sporadic deep runs. This consistency has been crucial in pushing her back into the top 30, a position that brings both tangible and psychological benefits. From a practical standpoint, a higher ranking improves her chances of avoiding top seeds in the early rounds of major tournaments. Mentally, it reinforces the sense that she belongs among the elite players once again.
Henman was careful to temper expectations ahead of the Australian Open, emphasizing that progress is rarely linear, particularly for a player who has faced as many interruptions as Raducanu. However, he noted that her current trajectory suggests she is better equipped to handle the pressures of a Grand Slam environment than she was in previous seasons. The focus, he explained, should be on performance benchmarks rather than specific round targets, allowing Raducanu to measure success through the quality of her tennis and her physical resilience.
Another aspect Henman touched on was Raducanu’s evolving support structure. Stability off the court, he suggested, has played a role in enabling her on-court improvements. A clearer training plan and a more measured tournament schedule have helped reduce the risk of setbacks, while also giving her the space to refine her tactical identity. Rather than trying to replicate the explosive, fearless style that carried her to US Open glory as a teenager, Raducanu now appears to be developing a more rounded and sustainable game.
As the Australian Open approaches, Raducanu’s return to the top 30 positions her as a potential dark horse rather than an outsider. While she may not yet be considered among the outright favourites, her recent form and renewed confidence make her a dangerous opponent for anyone in the draw. Henman’s update reflects a broader sense of optimism within British tennis, rooted not in hype, but in visible, incremental progress.
Ultimately, Raducanu’s 2025 resurgence is less about reclaiming past headlines and more about laying foundations for long-term success. With her ranking restored, her fitness improving, and respected voices like Henman acknowledging her upward trend, the Australian Open represents another important chapter in a career that appears, once again, to be moving decisively forward.
