Can you imagine the future of Emma Raducanu coming under scrutiny at a time when she’s just 21 years old? Such has been the fate of the British sensation. After reaching the career high of winning the 2021 US Open title, it has been a steep slope downward for Raducanu. Injuries have played a fair part in this as she has struggled for form and fitness ever since clinching her first Grand Slam title. This has led to many critics questioning her future in the sport. However, Raducanu has hit back at them with a perfect response.

The 21-year-old is in Eastbourne where she’s playing in the Eastbourne International ahead of the Wimbledon Championships. After quite some time, Raducanu looked in prime touch, as she dispatched Sloane Stephens in straight sets 6-4, 6-0 in the opening round.

Elated by the victory, Raducanu thanked the crowd for their support and subsequently, proceeded toward the camera to write a message. To everyone’s surprise, it was a strong jab at the critics, whose harsh words Raducanu hadn’t forgotten. She wrote a strong 3-word message, “My own pace,” signaling that she intends to take her time before getting back to her prime form and fitness. The video of Raducanu writing the message was shared on social media and it went viral as soon as it was posted.

Specifically speaking, Raducanu missed almost the entire 2023 season due to injuries. Although she made a comeback earlier this year, the British sensation has lost her touch and made early exits at the tournaments. As a result, she has faced much heat from critics and tennis pundits, with some even believing that they had already seen the best from her. However, her ex-coach had other thoughts.

Dmitry Tursunov hopeful about a strong comeback from Emma Raducanu

It takes Raducanu just one tournament to get among the best, as she highlighted from her US Open win back in 2021. While almost the entire tennis fraternity had turned their backs on Raducanu, she got some strong words of support from her ex-coach, Tursunov. The latter was a part of Raducanu’s coaching team during her US Open triumph but parted ways soon after.

Expressing confidence in Raducanu’s game, he said, “Sooner or later, she’s going to sort it out. She loves tennis too much not to figure it out. It’s just a question of how long it will take her & how difficult the road will be. But I think she’s the person who’s willing to go a bumpy road.”

After missing out on the French Open spot, Raducanu has been granted a wildcard entry into the main draw of the Wimbledon Championships. With the home crowd behind her, will Raducanu rejuvenate herself at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.