Emma Raducanu delivered a stirring comeback at the 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open, overcoming American Ann Li 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 in a grueling first-round match on June 24, 2025, at Devonshire Park. The British No. 1, ranked World No. 38, burst into tears during her on-court interview, overwhelmed by the significance of the victory amidst personal and physical challenges. As Wimbledon looms on June 30, 2025, her performance offers hope, though concerns about her back injury and emotional state persist.
Raducanu trailed by a set and a break, struggling with blustery conditions and Li’s aggressive play, which produced winners but also errors. After falling 3-0 behind in the first set, Raducanu clawed back but lost the tiebreak 7-5. A slip on the grass late in the set, briefly clutching her hip, underscored ongoing fitness worries. However, from the middle of the second set, she found “another gear,” breaking Li to win 6-3 and dominating the decider 6-1, sealing victory with a backhand winner after two hours and 18 minutes. She dropped her racket, covered her face, and wept before shaking Li’s hand.
“It feels incredible,” Raducanu said, holding back tears. “I want to thank the crowd for getting me through some really sticky moments. I’m so proud of how I fought back after losing the first set. Ann was hitting winners all over the place, and it was very windy.” She credited the support of her coach Mark Petchey and Billie Jean King Cup teammate Fran Jones, who was courtside, shouting encouragement. Raducanu later revealed to BBC Sport that her emotional reaction stemmed from “some really bad news” received before the match, which left her mentally absent in the first set. “I’d prefer not to go into it, but Fran knows what’s going on behind the scenes,” she said.
The victory sets up a second-round clash with 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint, who upset Ons Jabeur. Yet, Raducanu’s persistent back injury, which forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open and required a medical timeout at Queen’s Club, remains a concern. “I feel OK, a little bit of fatigue, a bit of stiffness, but I need to see how I feel tomorrow,” she noted, admitting the match’s physical toll. Her limited grass-court preparation and the demanding Eastbourne draw, potentially featuring defending champion Daria Kasatkina, heighten the stakes.
Raducanu’s resilience, backed by a vocal crowd, suggests she’s finding form at a crucial time. Her rise to British No. 1 and World No. 38, following a Queen’s quarterfinal, fuels optimism for Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021 and 2024. However, managing her injury and emotional challenges will be key to sustaining momentum.
