Emma Raducanu has committed to another event.
The former US Open winner’s scheduling decisions have often come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, she cut her clay season short and pulled out of the qualifying event at the French Open to get more grass-court preparation.
It paid off – she reached the semi-final in Nottingham, the quarters in Eastbourne and the last 16 at Wimbledon. But the former world No. 10 has since raised more eyebrows with her choices.
She proved her doubters wrong after skipping the Olympics to go straight to the North American hard-court swing and got to the quarter-final of the WTA 500 event in Washington, losing a close one to Paula Badosa. But Raducanu hasn’t played since.
While the 21-year-old hasn’t addressed her critics after snubbing qualifying events in Toronto and Cincinnati, her coach’s sibling offered an explanation. Raducanu is currently working with Nick Cavaday whose sister Naomi is a well-known commentator.
While calling a match for Sky Sports this week, Naomi said: “I think viewing it as extra matches, she got some wins in Washington, pretty happy with the level. Body feeling it a touch, trying to keep that managed.
“I mean, I think if she’d have had a wildcard into the main draw, she would have considered playing. I’m sure she considered playing in qualifying as well. I’m not privy to the scheduling decisions I’m afraid.”
