Emma Raducanu set to play qualifying for first time since US Open win after New Open Tournament given

Emma Raducanu has made a significant decision to enter the qualifying draw for the Abu Dhabi Open, marking a departure from her recent trend of avoiding qualifiers since her US Open victory in 2021. This move indicates a renewed focus on gaining match play and improving her ranking ahead of the Middle Eastern swing.

Raducanu, who has been traveling with her fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura but is currently without a coach following Nick Cavaday’s departure, has not played in qualifying rounds for quite some time. Despite reaching the third round of the Australian Open, she suffered a loss to Cristina Bucsa at the Singapore Tennis Open, although she believes her performance there was stronger than in Melbourne.

With fewer wildcards being offered to her as tournaments prioritize more established names, Raducanu is now embracing the challenge of qualifying rounds. She previously expressed that she is not opposed to playing qualifiers, explaining to BBC Sport last August that winning those matches can help players adjust to the conditions and build confidence before facing seeded opponents.

Raducanu will compete in qualifying on Saturday at the Abu Dhabi Open, where top players like Elena Rybakina and Paula Badosa are already in the main draw. She may also need to navigate qualifying rounds at upcoming tournaments in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami, as her ranking currently leaves her just outside the cutoff for direct entry.

The decision to play in qualifying or drop down to lower-level events to boost her ranking has been a balancing act for Raducanu, but her willingness to adapt to the qualifying process shows her determination to climb back up the rankings and regain her momentum on the WTA Tour.