Emma Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1 and the seventh seed at the 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open, fought through a tense first-round match against American Ann Li, clinching a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory on June 24, 2025, at Devonshire Park. The two-hour, eight-minute battle on the windy grass courts showcased Raducanu’s grit but also highlighted ongoing concerns about her back injury as she prepares for Wimbledon, starting June 30, 2025.
Raducanu, ranked World No. 38, started sharply, breaking Li’s serve to take the first set 6-4. She capitalized on Li’s struggles, with the American winning just 51% of second-serve points. However, Raducanu’s focus wavered in the second set, where loose shots and visible frustration allowed Li, ranked No. 64, to level the match. In the decisive third set, Raducanu regained her composure, securing two breaks to advance despite Li’s aggressive forehand and slicing backhand keeping the pressure on. “It’s so windy – I definitely forgot how windy it was,” Raducanu said post-match. “It’s a battle of who can manage the conditions better and not get too frustrated.”
The win propels Raducanu into the second round against Maya Joint, following Ons Jabeur’s withdrawal due to a knee issue. However, the match exposed inconsistencies in her game, amplifying concerns about her readiness for Wimbledon. Raducanu’s back injury, which flared up during her Queen’s Club quarterfinal loss to Qinwen Zheng in early June, remains a significant worry. That defeat saw her require a medical timeout and painkillers, prompting her withdrawal from the Berlin Open to prioritize recovery. “I’m not overly concerned that it’s something serious, but it’s been lingering for weeks, and I have to take care of it,” she told reporters in Eastbourne. Her limited grass-court preparation—only a few days of practice before Queen’s—underscores the stakes of her Eastbourne campaign, where she defends 108 ranking points from her 2024 quarterfinal.
Wimbledon, where Raducanu reached the fourth round in 2024, is a critical target. A deep run at Eastbourne could secure a seeding at the All England Club and boost her confidence, but the draw is daunting. A potential quarterfinal against defending champion Daria Kasatkina, who defeated Raducanu in 2024, looms large. Social media posts on X have highlighted her Berlin withdrawal and injury concerns, with fans expressing both hope and apprehension about her Wimbledon prospects.
Raducanu remains upbeat, drawing on fond memories of Eastbourne: “I had a great time last year, and that helps having good memories in a place.” Yet, her ability to manage her back injury and adapt to grass-court conditions will be pivotal. As she navigates a challenging field and physical uncertainties, Raducanu’s Eastbourne performance will serve as a crucial barometer for her Wimbledon ambitions
