Emma Raducanu, the rising British tennis star, has made a strategic decision to skip the clay court season and shift her focus to the grass swing. This move comes after she withdrew from the French Open qualifying, opting to prioritize her preparations for the upcoming grass tournaments.

Emma shared a video on Instragam about her rigorous training regime on court and at the gym. Here is the video.

The Controversial Decision

Raducanu, who famously stormed to victory at the US Open in 2021, had been expected to compete in the French Open qualifying rounds. However, she chose to withdraw from the event, citing her desire to allocate more time for grass court training. In her own words, she emphasized the importance of laying strong foundations and ensuring her fitness for the rest of the year. By skipping the French Open, Raducanu aims to optimize her performance during the grass season and subsequent hard court events.

Early Grass Practice

While most top players will begin their grass court preparations after the French Open, Raducanu has already started practicing on grass. Her early start gives her a valuable advantage, allowing her at least two weeks of focused practice before the official grass season begins. This proactive approach demonstrates her commitment to honing her skills on this unique surface.

Nottingham Open

Raducanu’s first grass tournament of the season will be the WTA 250 event in Nottingham, scheduled to take place between June 10 and 16. This tournament provides her with an opportunity to fine-tune her game and gain momentum heading into the more prestigious grass events. Notably, she will be joined by fellow Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur in Nottingham. A strong showing in this tournament could set Raducanu up for a successful grass season.

Emma Raducanu in 2024

At the moment ranked no.205, Raducanu played her last match on the 24^th of April when she lost to world no.82 Maria Lourdes Carle 6-2 6-2 in the 1^st round in Madrid (draw).

This season Emma has achieved a compiled 9-7 match record.