Emma Raducanu’s Challenges Ahead of Grass Court Season
Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old tennis sensation, has expressed uncertainty regarding her physical readiness for the upcoming grass court season following another episode of back spasms during training. This injury issue has cropped up as she gears up for the Queen’s Club tournament, which marks the return of a women’s event to the venue for the first time in 52 years. Unfortunately, the spasm has hampered her training significantly, sidelining her for several days.
Recent Injury Concerns
Raducanu’s recent back issues surfaced for the second time in just three weeks, with the first incident occurring during her match against Danielle Collins in Strasbourg, just prior to the French Open. With this in mind, she approaches the Queen’s competition with tempered expectations.
“I definitely aim to win, especially since it’s a home tournament,” she remarked. “Yet, my expectations are fairly low given that I’ve only just begun hitting points again today and barely spent a few days on the grass courts.”
Outlook and Competitors
When queried about her concerns for the grass court season, Raducanu commented on her uncertainty, stating:
“I can’t say how things will unfold. I’ve been managing my back for a few weeks, and it’s a cyclical issue for me. It’s undoubtedly a source of frustration because it impacted my game in Strasbourg and also affected my first round in Paris. However, I strive to stay positive and manage the situation as best as I can.”
Ahead of her at the Queen’s Club, Raducanu faces a competitive field, including notable players such as reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková, Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, and Australian Open victor Madison Keys. Nonetheless, her preparations have been uplifted by the return of her former coach, Nick Cavaday, who had briefly left her team due to health considerations.
“It’s wonderful to see him back and healthy. It’s been quite some time since we practiced together back in Australia, and with Mark commentating in Paris, it’s nice to have Nick around for a few days,” Raducanu shared.
WTA 500 Event and Prize Money Disparity
The new WTA 500 event at Queen’s Club boasts a prize pot of $1.4 million (£1 million), which, while an improvement, is still only half that of the men’s ATP 500 tournament that follows. Raducanu declined to comment on the disparity in prize money or the LTA’s ambition for equal prizes by 2029.
“There is a noticeable difference, and I acknowledge many players will voice their opinions, but I choose to stay out of it,” she shared. “While it is vital for me to financially support my team, my motivation for tennis isn’t solely about money.”
Personal Reflections and Future Collaboration
Remembering her childhood visits to Queen’s Club with her father, Raducanu confessed that back then her focus was more on snacks than the sport. Now, however, she is excited about the significance of the women’s tournament returning after nearly five decades.
“Competing here is an incredible opportunity. It’s the first time women will play at this venue in such a long time, and I’m thrilled to showcase my skills on home soil before supportive fans,” she said.
In another highlight, Raducanu will participate in her second WTA doubles tournament, teaming up with fellow British player Katie Boulter, with whom she has previously played in Billie Jean King Cup matches. Boulter expressed enthusiasm about the pairing, referring to Raducanu as a great player and looking forward to their collaboration as a sign of many future endeavors together.
