Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has repeatedly emphasized that her top priority in 2025 is to stay healthy and build consistency to reclaim a top-tier ranking and compete for major titles. However, a troubling pattern of failing to close out high-stakes matches—most recently squandering three match points in a 3-6, 7-6(11-9), 6-0 third-round loss to Jessica Pegula at the China Open on September 29, 2025—continues to derail her progress. This collapse, echoing a similar meltdown in the Seoul Open final against Barbora Krejcikova (4-6, 7-6(10), 6-1), underscores a mental fragility that threatens her goal of sustained excellence, despite a resurgent season that saw her return to the top 30 (No. 29 provisionally).
Raducanu’s Stated Priority: Health and Consistency
Since her fairy-tale 2021 US Open win at 18, Raducanu has battled injuries—wrist, ankle, and back issues requiring surgeries in 2023—and inconsistent results, dropping to No. 135 by mid-2024. Entering 2025, she made her focus clear in a BBC Sport interview: “My No. 1 priority is staying healthy—playing a full season without missing chunks. If I can do that, the results will come.” Under new coach Francisco Roig (since August 2025) and trainer Yutaka Nakamura, Raducanu has stayed largely injury-free, logging 27 wins and reaching three quarterfinals (Washington, Stuttgart, Seoul) and a semifinal (Washington). Her Beijing run—defeating Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 6-1 and Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-3—marked her first WTA 1000 third round, boosting her ranking points.
Yet, her inability to close out big matches remains a glaring issue. Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft warned on Sky Sports that this “worrying trend” of mental collapses could be exploited by rivals if not addressed, noting, “Players will suss out this pattern… It’s a big problem.”
The Slipping Priority: Mental Lapses in Crunch Moments
Raducanu’s recent losses highlight a recurring failure to capitalize on winnable positions against top players, extending her top-10 losing streak to nine matches:
– **China Open (3R, Sep 29, 2025)**: Led Pegula 6-3, 6-6, with three match points in the tiebreak (6-5, 7-6, 9-8). A double fault and backhand errors handed Pegula the set, followed by a 6-0 third-set rout as Raducanu’s 22 unforced errors piled up.
– **Seoul Open (Final, Sep 22, 2025)**: Held two match points in the second-set tiebreak against Krejcikova but crumbled, losing 4-6, 7-6(10), 6-1, with a third-set fade mirroring Beijing.
These collapses echo earlier 2025 setbacks, like a Wimbledon fourth-round loss to Iga Świątek (6-4, 3-6, 6-2), where she faltered after a strong second set. Her 27-12 record and top-30 return are promising, but the inability to convert against elite opponents—despite leading in crucial moments—threatens her goal of building a consistent, injury-free season that yields titles.
Why It’s a Problem
Croft and analysts highlight the psychological toll: Raducanu’s energy drops post-tiebreak losses, leading to lopsided third sets (combined 12-1 against Krejcikova and Pegula). Social media buzz, like @TennisFanatic’s post (“Emma’s mentality is her biggest hurdle—choking match points is becoming a pattern,” 3.2k likes), reflects fan concern. Her serve, a work in progress under Roig (seven double faults in Beijing), remains a liability in pressure moments, with a 58% first-serve rate against Pegula compared to her season average of 62%.
Raducanu’s 2025 Snapshot
Despite the setbacks, Raducanu’s season shows progress:
– **Wins/Losses**: 27-12, including a Washington semifinal and Seoul final.
– **Rankings**: Climbed from No. 58 (January) to No. 29 (post-Beijing), with 1,900+ points.
– **Highlights**: Beat Maria Sakkari in Washington (QF), her first top-10 win since 2022; reached Stuttgart QF and Eastbourne R16.
– **Low Points**: Nine straight losses to top-10 players; third-set collapses in Seoul and Beijing.
| Tournament | Result | Key Moment |
|————|——–|————|
| Washington Open | SF | Beat Sakkari; lost to Sabalenka. |
| Seoul Open | Finalist | 2 match points lost vs. Krejcikova; 6-1 third set. |
| China Open | 3R | 3 match points lost vs. Pegula; 6-0 third set. |
| Wimbledon | 4R | Competitive vs. Świątek; faded in decider. |
Path Forward: Addressing the Trend
Raducanu’s work with Roig and Nakamura has improved her fitness and forehand aggression (32 winners vs. Pegula), but mental resilience needs focus. Croft suggests psychological coaching to tackle closing-match nerves, while Raducanu herself remains optimistic: “I’m showing I can hang with the best… I’ll keep learning.” With the Asian swing wrapping and Shanghai next (October 3), she has a chance to reset, potentially facing qualifiers early to build confidence. A strong 2026 Australian Open seeding is within reach, but breaking the top-10 barrier requires conquering this mental hurdle.
Her off-court positivity—seen in Instagram posts exploring Beijing’s culture, praised by Paula Badosa’s supportive comment—shows resilience. Yet, without addressing this “worrying trend,” her No. 1 priority risks slipping further. Time to lock in, Emma—the talent is there.
