Emma Raducanu is showing exactly why she's captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide, displaying incredible resilience and a positive mindset as she builds toward the 2026 Australian Open season.

The 23-year-old British tennis star has been taking a carefully managed approach to her pre-season preparation, prioritizing long-term health and fitness over rushing back to competition. After dealing with a foot issue during the off-season, Raducanu has been working diligently with coach Francisco Roig on building a strong physical foundation through focused gym work.

Despite having only two weeks of hitting practice before her first competitive match of 2026, Raducanu impressed observers with her gutsy performance against world-class opponent Maria Sakkari at the United Cup. The three-set battle, which saw Raducanu compete for 83 days since her last match, showcased her fighting spirit and natural talent, even without match sharpness.

"Considering I played five, six games in practice, it is a big effort for me," Raducanu said with characteristic honesty. "Really proud of how I kind of put myself out there, despite the scenario and situation." Her ability to compete at such a level with minimal court time speaks volumes about her raw ability and mental strength.

The British number one is taking an admirably mature approach to her comeback, recognizing that the tennis season is a marathon, not a sprint. "The season is still very, very young. Week one. There's a long way to go," she noted optimistically, showing the perspective that comes with experience.

Raducanu's strategic pre-season training block focused on building a robust physical base, working on fitness and gradually increasing her workload. This patient approach, while requiring delayed on-court practice, positions her well for sustained success throughout the long season ahead.

The young star is already looking forward with confidence, drawing encouragement from her performance. "I think being able to produce that, having not played, is just giving me confidence to what I can do when I do practice more," she explained. This positive outlook and ability to find silver linings demonstrates the mental fortitude that has made her such a compelling athlete to follow.

Raducanu will continue her preparation at the Hobart International beginning January 12, giving her valuable match practice before the Australian Open starts on January 18 at Melbourne Park. Each match will provide crucial court time and competitive rhythm as she builds momentum.

The tennis world has witnessed Raducanu's remarkable abilities before, and her determination to return stronger than ever is inspiring. Her willingness to prioritize proper recovery and gradual progression shows maturity beyond her years and suggests she's building toward long-term success rather than short-term gains.

As she continues her journey back to full match fitness, fans can look forward to watching Raducanu rediscover her best tennis. With her talent, work ethic, and positive mindset, the 2026 season holds exciting possibilities for this remarkable young athlete.