Emma Raducanu admits injuries and criticism can feel like a 'constant uphill battle' but the tennis star credits support team for helping to build resilience in new HSBC film

Emma Raducanu has highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of challenges in a new HSBC film, as the British tennis star reflected on injury woes and criticism.

Raducanu exploded into the public spotlight in 2021 with her run to the fourth round of Wimbledon.

She then made history by becoming the first qualifier in the Open era to win a major title, when she stormed to victory at the US Open.

Raducanu has struggled since her fairytale victory, with a series of injuries keeping her on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old only returned in January after eight months out following ankle and wrist surgeries, while she has also faced criticism amid a series of coaching changes since her US Open triumph. 

Raducanu, a HSBC Global Brand Ambassador, reflected on the ups and downs of her career to date in the banking group's latest advert.

She highlighted the importance of her family and support team in making her resilient in the face of challenges, while expressing confidence she can succeed moving forwards.

'I've learned that life is full of twists and turns, but it's how you navigate those moments that define you,' Raducanu said.

'As an athlete, that is never truer than when you are injured and facing criticism. It can feel like a constant uphill battle, but you can view it as either an obstacle or an opportunity to grow.

'My mother instilled resilience in me from a young age, and so many of the decisions I make now are because of what my parents taught me.

'I’m very lucky to have such an amazing support system that I can turn to in both moments of success and uncertainty to help me stay strong, both physically and mentally, no matter what life throws my way.

'If the last few years have taught me anything, it's that life is never a straight line, and you never know what opportunities are around the next corner. 

'I’m excited to see what the future holds, whether that’s next week, next year or next decade.'

'There are so many things I am passionate about! With the support of my team and my family, I know I have the chance to succeed in anything I put my mind to.'

HSBC's latest film with Raducanu comes ahead of the grass court season, having opted to withdraw from qualifying for the French Open.

Raducanu had just missed out on automatic entry in Paris, but had been due to enter qualifying this week in a bid to secure a place in the main draw.

Her name was withdrawn from the entry list on Sunday morning, with Raducanu explaining that she will focus on training to 'give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year'.

‘It’s important for me to keep laying foundations and I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard-court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year,' Raducanu said.

Her withdrawal is a drab ending to a clay season which started promisingly for Raducanu, with four excellent wins on the bounce across the Billie Jean King Cup and Porsche Grand Prix. 

Then came a first-round defeat in Madrid last month, after which she declared herself ‘mentally and emotionally exhausted’. She has not been seen since.

Raducanu has not confirmed her schedule yet, but is likely to enter the Rothesay Open in Nottingham, which begins on June 8.

Her ranking has dropped to 212 in the world following her absence from the game through injuries.

Raducanu will be looking to build towards Wimbledon, with the third Grand Slam of the season starting on July 1.