Emma Raducanu is set to commence her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, aiming to secure her first singles title since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open. The tournament is scheduled from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Raducanu has faced challenges with injuries over the past two years, including surgeries on both wrists and an ankle, leading to extended periods away from competition.
In the 2024 ASB Classic, she returned to professional tennis after a nine-month hiatus but was eliminated in the second round by Elina Svitolina, who went on to be the tournament’s runner-up.
For the 2025 ASB Classic, Raducanu is seeded sixth and will face 20-year-old American player Ashlyn Krueger in the first round.
The tournament features a competitive field, including top seed Madison Keys, second seed Elise Mertens, and notable players like Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep.
Raducanu’s participation has generated significant interest, with tournament director Nicolas Lamperin noting a “major spike” in ticket sales following her announcement.
As she prepares for the ASB Classic, Raducanu has expressed a renewed focus on balancing her commercial commitments with her training, acknowledging that previous off-court obligations have impacted her performance.
Fans and analysts are keen to see if Raducanu can recapture the form that led her to Grand Slam success, potentially ending her two-year title drought at the upcoming ASB Classic.
