Emma Raducanu – the player was dubbed the “Sharapova of England” – had an emotional comeback at the Eastbourne International 2025. After more than 2 hours of dramatic play, Raducanu could not hide his tears when he came back successfully against American opponent Ann Li.
Immediately after winning Match Point decided, Raducanu knelt, threw the racket into the yard and burst into tears in extreme emotion. The audience at Eastbourne also gave her the applause incessantly, feeling the great meaning of this victory. This is Raducanu's first match at home after a turbulent year in both form and fitness.
Sharing after the match, Raducanu revealed that she had to receive a “bad news” in her personal life right before the competition. Although not clearly stated the content, the 22 -year -old player admitted that it greatly affected her spirit in the first set. “I was very difficult to focus. But I told myself not to give up. What I experienced today is not only sports, but also part of life,” Raducanu choked.
Her strong return not only came from her own efforts but also thanks to the spiritual support from her best friend Francesca Jones – also a teammate in England. She also thanked coach Mark Petchey, who helped her to find calm and fight resilient in the following two sets.
This victory not only helped Raducanu enter the second round, where she will meet the young Australian talent Maya Joint Joint, but also a great mental push before the Wimbledon – Grand Slam that she had caused a fever in 2021 with the historic championship. Wimbledon this year will officially start early next week, and Raducanu is trying his best to enter the tournament with the highest form, despite the back injury has not completely recovered.
With technical style, bravery and attractive beauty, Raducanu is always the focus whenever appearing on the British grass. Despite many challenges ahead, the performance at Eastbourne is a clear testament to the fighting spirit of the “British Sharapova” – a new symbol of the fear of felt.