TENNIS: Emma Raducanu explains why she doesn’t want to compete in qualifications at the US Open.

Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who stunned the world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, recently shed light on her decision not to participate in the qualifying rounds for the upcoming US Open. The young star, who became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title, revealed that her choice is driven by a mix of personal growth, strategic planning, and an evolving approach to her tennis career.

Raducanu’s meteoric rise to stardom came with its fair share of challenges and expectations. Following her historic victory at Flushing Meadows, she became an instant global superstar, but her journey since then has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. These setbacks have led to her ranking dropping, which typically would require her to compete in qualifiers for major tournaments like the US Open.

However, Raducanu has decided to forego the qualifying rounds, citing a need to focus on her long-term development rather than chasing short-term successes. In a candid interview, she expressed that while the experience of playing in qualifiers was invaluable in her breakthrough year, she now feels the need to prioritize her physical and mental health. Raducanu acknowledged that her body has been through a lot in the past two years, and pushing it through the grueling qualifying process might not be the best decision for her at this stage in her career.

Furthermore, Raducanu emphasized the importance of managing expectations and pressures that come with her status as a Grand Slam champion. She noted that competing in qualifiers could subject her to unnecessary stress and scrutiny, which could detract from her focus on regaining form and confidence. Instead, she is opting to build her fitness and fine-tune her game away from the spotlight, aiming to return to the main draw of major tournaments when she is fully prepared to compete at her best.

In conclusion, Emma Raducanu’s decision to skip the US Open qualifiers reflects her maturity and understanding of the demands of professional tennis. By prioritizing her long-term well-being and development, she is taking a calculated step back in order to eventually return stronger and more resilient. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this approach impacts her career in the coming years.