Following her early exit from the Qatar Open’s first round, British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has voiced the need for a more strategic tournament schedule. The 21-year-old, fresh off a photo-op with supermodel Naomi Campbell, suffered a straight-set defeat to Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in Doha, prompting reflections on her preparation and commitments.
Raducanu’s swift departure from the tournament came just days after her high-profile appearance at the opening of a lavish hotel in Dubai. Critics speculate that her extended stay in the UAE, coupled with limited practice time on Qatar’s courts due to rain disruptions, may have impacted her performance in Doha.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Raducanu admitted her unfamiliarity with the surface and cited difficulties adjusting to daytime conditions. She lamented, “I was struggling with everything… It was my first day-match I have played in a year. That is different.”
The rising star, known for her lucrative sponsorship deals, including tie-ups with brands like British Airways, Dior, and Nike, has faced scrutiny over her commercial commitments affecting her on-court performance. However, her management has maintained that endorsements do not detract from her focus on tennis.
Raducanu’s Qatar Open experience highlights the challenges of balancing off-court obligations with professional commitments. She emphasized the need for better scheduling, stating, “It is hard for me to get used to the tour schedule. It is one tournament then another straight away.”
Despite her recent setbacks, Raducanu remains optimistic about her future prospects on the tour. Reflecting on her performance, she remarked, “When my tennis isn’t there, I have to try and at least fight… It will come with more time practicing as well as matches.”
While Raducanu has opted out of the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, her journey continues amidst the highs and lows of professional tennis. Despite her challenges, her resilience and determination serve as a testament to her potential for future success on the court.
Emma Raducanu in 2024
WWWLWWLLWW Now the world no.262, Raducanu played her last match on the 12th of February when she lost to world no.30 Anhelina Kalinina 6-0 7-6(6) in the 1st round in Doha (draw).
This season Raducanu has managed to achieve an overall 3-4 record.
