Emma Raducanu‘s fate is clouded by disappointment. After multiple injuries last season, the tennis community expected a strong comeback when she reassured everyone about her health status. However, things took a drastic turn for the Briton as she shocked everyone with her sudden retirement from the Seoul tournament. While analyzing her struggles over the past few seasons, Roger Federer’s former coach posed a burning question: Will Raducanu ever return to her old form, or will she succumb to her ongoing injuries?

Paul Annacone joined the Tennis Channel’s Live Podcast with Andy Roddick, Mark Knowles, and Steve Weissman to discuss the ongoing Laver Cup and Raducanu’s withdrawal from the 2024 Korea Open due to injury. The Briton was playing in the quarterfinals against Daria Kasatkina. After losing the first set to her Russian opponent, she retired, struggling with a foot injury. Federer’s former coach highlighted Raducanu’s difficulties, suggesting she could have reached the semifinals if she had been able to play Kasatkina at full strength.

“Emma Raducanu is actually having some issues with her left foot. Took a medical timeout after the fifth game and when is she gonna get and stay healthy guys? So, she couldn’t push off on the serve, was, couldn’t make the movements, couldn’t really feel comfortable, here’s that medical timeout. Gosh it was a big moment too. Would have been the first semifinals for Raducanu since 2021 US Open. I just feel bad for her because she’s just got to be healthy,” said Annacone. This veteran coach’s statement highlighted the WTA star’s misery. Raducanu said after her wrist surgeries, “Body-wise I feel really healthy now. I feel really strong. I’ve done amazing work with my trainer over the last few months since surgery.” Despite such revelation, her withdrawal has caused controversy highlighting her unimpressive form.

Raducanu had a disappointing run this season. Last year, chronic wrist pain jeopardized her professional career, leading to surgery on both hands that once again halted her commitments. She lost in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open, skipped Roland Garros, exited Wimbledon in the Round of 16, and fell in the first round of the 2024 US Open. Amid such a difficult season, Raducanu’s entry into the Korea Open quarterfinals brought renewed hope among her supporters. However, a foot issue derailed that progress, forcing the Briton to retire in the quarterfinals.

While Annacone’s words echoed disappointment, he made a surprising confession last year when asked about coaching Raducanu.

Paul Annacone humbly declined the prospect of coaching Emma Raducanu

Last year, Federer’s veteran coach appeared on the Rock n Roll Tennis podcast, where host Keith Fraser asked him whether he would consider mentoring Emma Raducanu. Fraser suggested that Annacone could offer the Briton valuable advice, given that there was no time to waste. Fraser’s comment referred to Raducanu’s injury-stricken 2023 season, which pushed her ranking down to 299 by December. However, Annacone politely declined the offer. He said, “Yeah, I would be very appreciative and honored that I would be thought of, but I would humbly pass.”

Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from the 2024 Korea Open has stunned the tennis community. After her injuries, when she returned and confirmed her improved health, many hoped to see her regain her 2021 form. However, things don’t always go as planned. Despite the setbacks and criticisms, fans are wishing for the Briton’s speedy recovery.