After a strong quarter-final run at the Miami Open, Emma Raducanu has decided to take a short break from tennis. Her clay court schedule for the upcoming season is now starting to take shape.
Raducanu recently withdrew from Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup ties in the Netherlands this week, as well as next week’s WTA 250 event in Rouen, France. This break comes after her deep run in Miami, allowing her to take some time away from competitive tennis before returning to action.
There had been some speculation about when Raducanu would re-enter the tour, with rumors suggesting that she might make her clay court season debut in Madrid later this month. Raducanu is still listed for the Madrid Open, which starts on April 22, and has now also appeared on the entry list for the Italian Open in Rome, set to begin on May 6.
Raducanu’s 2024 clay court campaign was disappointing, as she lost in the first round in Madrid and was forced to retire during her only match in Rome back in 2022. Both Madrid and Rome offer 1,000 ranking points for the winners, with significant opportunities for players who perform well in these prestigious events.
Climbing the Rankings
With only 108 ranking points to defend during the clay court season, Raducanu has a great chance to improve her position in the WTA rankings. Her absence from last year’s French Open also opens the door for a significant rise in the rankings if she performs well at Roland Garros.
Despite lacking extensive experience on clay, Raducanu impressed during her appearances for Great Britain in last year’s Billie Jean King Cup in France. She will be one to watch in the coming weeks if she can find success on the surface.
Henman’s Confidence in Raducanu
After being criticized for not playing enough tournaments in 2024, Raducanu has opted for a more active schedule this year. Former British No. 1, Tim Henman, has backed her decision, saying that consistent competition will yield results for Raducanu.
“If she stays healthy and competes frequently, the results will come because she’s that good,” Henman said. “It’s not about her level; when she’s played, she’s shown she’s capable. Last year, she played 33 matches, with 11 on grass, but only 22 matches during the other 10 months. That’s far too few.”
Henman continued, emphasizing the importance of building physical resilience, particularly after Raducanu’s breakout Grand Slam win at the 2021 US Open, which came without a solid physical foundation. He believes Raducanu’s ability to compete consistently this year is a major positive.
Possible Withdrawal
It should be noted that while Raducanu is listed for the Madrid and Rome tournaments, she could still choose to withdraw if she feels the need for more rest.
Next Steps
As Raducanu plans her next steps, all eyes will be on her performance in the upcoming clay court season, where she will look to build on her recent form and push for a higher ranking in the WTA standings.
