Emma Raducanu may have disappointed fans and teammates by withdrawing from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie, but her decision appears to be a wise one as she prepares for a pivotal phase in her comeback.
After a rocky start to 2025 — including early losses post-Australian Open and a disturbing encounter with a “fixated” fan in Dubai — Raducanu’s quarter-final run at the Miami Open marked a clear return to form. Her performance in Florida not only reestablished her presence on the WTA Tour but also helped her climb back into the top 50 rankings.
The 22-year-old’s renewed form has been attributed to an increased tournament schedule this year, allowing her to gain valuable match fitness and confidence. But with the clay and grass court seasons approaching — and a relatively open slate of ranking points to defend — stepping back briefly could be the smartest move yet.
A Strategic Pause
Raducanu’s absence from the Billie Jean King Cup reflects a broader strategy: avoid burnout, stay healthy, and target key events like the French Open and Wimbledon, where ranking points are up for grabs.
She earned big points last year with a semi-final showing at the Nottingham Open and a strong run to the fourth round at Wimbledon. Preserving her fitness ahead of those grass-court events will be vital.
This tactical break mirrors a similar move by fellow Brit Jack Draper, who withdrew from Dubai earlier this year to prepare for Indian Wells, where he went on to win the ATP Masters 1000 title and break into the top 10.
Clay Courts in Focus
Raducanu is expected to continue her clay court preparations at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre, where she’s previously expressed a growing appreciation for the surface.
“I’ve not spent much time on clay in recent years,” she said. “It was a challenge at first, but I’m learning quickly and starting to enjoy it. I love sliding on clay — it’s fun. It might not be my most comfortable surface yet, but I’m embracing the challenge.”
Though she’s entered in the Open de Rouen in France later this month, she may delay her clay court debut until the Madrid Open in early May.
