With the 2025 season up and running, tournaments are coming thick and fast. Top players across the globe have already set their sights on the Australian Open with several warm-up events being played. Among them is the ASB Classic 2025 in Auckland, set to feature some exciting talent on the WTA Tour. British star, Emma Raducanu will begin her campaign there against a 20-year-old American sensation, Robin Montgomery.

Montgomery emerged on the tennis circuit after winning the 2021 US Open girls’ singles and doubles titles. The American sensation has played consistently on the ITF circuit, winning three singles titles. Along with her singles commitments, she has also featured in doubles and won as many as four ITF doubles titles. Further, she reached a career-high ranking of 105 in singles earlier this year. While facing Raducanu may be one of her biggest tests till now, Montgomery has had the experience of facing some top players.

Back in May this year, she reached the third round of the Madrid Masters and took Aryna Sabalenka to three sets before going down fighting. Further, she also faced Ons Jabeur and made a candid confession ahead of that match. “Just another match for me, I have multiple experiences playing top players now. I’ve played Coco [Gauff], I’ve played Sabalenka, I’ve practised with Madison [Keys]. I was more nervous in qualifying,” Montgomery said. One can expect her to go out all guns blazing against Raducanu.

On the other hand, the sixth seed Raducanu would look to start her 2025 campaign with a bang in Auckland. Having had an inconsistent run this year after a comeback from injury, Raducanu will hope that these concerns stay away in the new season. Apart from Raducanu, the likes of Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka will also feature in the WTA event in Auckland. Raducanu has received a favorable draw and her biggest test will be in the semifinals against the top seed, Keys.

Ahead of the new year, Raducanu has already outlined her plans for the 2025 season. The former US Open champion hopes to stay away from injuries while performing consistently on the WTA Tour.

Emma Raducanu wants to stay on the court longer

The Brit’s 2024 season was marred by injuries and inconsistent showing where she missed the French Open and a host of other big tournaments. While she is aiming to play all the majors next year, Raducanu wants to shrug off her old fears of injury setbacks. As a result, she outlined specific plans for the 2025 season.

During an interview, she said, “I think my goal next year is to stay on court longer. This year I came to top 60 in the world, but I played I think less than 15 events. I know if I’m on court and healthy and competing, I can go even higher and further. I think that my athleticism is a strength of mine, but it’s nowhere near its full potential. I’m just looking forward to exploring that further, and ready to commit to doing that.”

Several tennis experts already feel that Raducanu would be the one to look out for next season if she stays fit. The likes of Mats Wilander and Laura Robson predicted her as the ‘comeback of the year’ for the 2025 season in a Q&A session with Eurosport.

“Emma Raducanu. I’m hoping and praying that she can be the comeback player of the year,” Wilander said in response to a question—“The biggest comeback on the women’s side?” And Laura Robson echoed him saying, “Why not Emma for 2025, comeback player of the year?” Can Raducanu be the player to watch out for next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.