Emma Raducanu has had her fair share of struggles this season. The 2021 US Open champion had to keep herself away from tennis for a long period due to injuries. Having no choice, she had to skip the entire Asian swing comprising the China Open, Wuhan Open, and Hong Kong Open in the second half of 2024. However, Emma is one to never give up on her efforts to make a return. After shining with her recent comeback in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, she’s filled with extreme confidence.

For those unaware, Emma’s last major appearance was in September’s Korea Open. Playing in the QF round, she had to take an unexpected exit against Daria Kasatkina after having a persistent foot injury. Had it not been for that, she would have advanced further in that tournament. It’s because going into the quarterfinal, she was looking in great form. She was away from the court for nearly two months until her magical return at the BJK in Malaga.

Being a part of Great Britain’s team, she helped her country registering a thumping win over Canada – the defending champion of the tournament. With her sensational performance against Rebecca Marino, she won her singles encounter 6-0, 7-5 in straight sets. Later, Raducanu’s compatriot Katie Boulder defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, thus helping GB to win by a 2-0 lead. “If anything, I’m excited and just itchy to get on the practice court, and of course seeing some of my performances this week, it just incentivizes me to do more work.”

While reflecting on her amazing return for GB, Emma Raducanu mentioned she’s now ready for being actively engaged in tennis. It seems like her injury woes are over now. In an official press conference, she said her only goal is to play constantly without taking any more rest. “I think traditionally you’d probably have a bit of a break and take a holiday or something. But I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don’t really need any more time off,” she said in the interview with the WTA.

Moreover, she expressed a lot of self-confidence in her skills while ringing alarm bells for her opponents ahead of the next season. “I know I’m a dangerous player,” she said. Continuing further, she mentioned, “I know no one wants to pull my name in the draw. I take pride in that, and I’m looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year.”

Raducanu’s stint in 2024 will end with her being on No. 58 in the world. Although the 22-year-old didn’t play much in 2024, her overall singles record of 20-13 is decent enough.

Emma Raducanu looking to make an active return with ASB Classic in New Zealand

While expressing her excitement for 2025, Emma revealed in a different interview that she plans to start her preparations for 2025 with the ASB Classic event. It’s set to commence on December 30th and will run through the first week of January. She’s already participated in the tournament twice before. Sharing her eagerness to participate in it again, she said, “I always have a great time there. The weather, when it is nice, is really beautiful. One of my best friends lives in Auckland, and her family do too, so I think I will be there for Christmas Day.”

Before she can start working on her 2025 goals, however, Raducanu will look to help GB in winning the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Following the victory against Canada, the country has entered in the semifinal round where it will face Slovakia on Tuesday. It will be Britain’s second SF in three years at the BJK. It’s worth noting that they have made it to the final of the tournament four times in 1967, 1971, 1972 and 1981. However, the country is yet to lift its first trophy.

With Raducanu’s form, alongside players like Katie Boulder and others, it seems like Great Britain can make it to the final for the fifth time. During an official conference dated November 18th, Britain’s Captain Anne Keothavong showed a lot of confidence in her team. According to her, she and every team member are trying to “instil the belief that” they “can do this. We’re not looking too far ahead, but it’s about the overall package. We’re in it to win it.”

Who do you think will emerge victorious on Tuesday? Will Emma Raducanu help GB to reach one step away from winning the first-ever BJK title? Let us know in the comments below.