USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) reacts after losing a point to Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) reacts after losing a point to Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
18-year-old Emma Raducanu is relatively new on the WTA Tour but came into the spotlight after her US Open 2021 glory. However, recently, she faced a minor setback as she lost in her opening match at the Indian Wells Open. However, now she has met another setback as she withdrew from the upcoming Kremlin Cup in Moscow, Russia.
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Notably, Raducanu announced her decision only hours before the draw. Although the WTA 500 Kremlin Cup did not fit her calendar this year, she looked forward to competing there. Besides that, the teenager also announced when she would be returning to the tour.
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Emma Raducanu on Kremlin Cup withdrawal
Undoubtedly, Emma Raducanu has been under a lot of pressure since her fairytale win in New York. That probably could be why she decided to take some extra time to rest and reboot before donning the court again.
“Unfortunately, I’ve had to make a tournament schedule change and won’t be able to play Moscow this year, but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year. I look forward to returning to the tour in the next couple of weeks,” Raducanu said.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 6, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) plays on the practice courts during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Additionally, the 18-year-old is also facing minor issues with her coaching team. So far, Raducanu has let go two head coaches, including the one she won the US Open with.
Hence, skipping a tournament and taking an extra two weeks might help her settle things first. Only time will tell how it practically affects her game on the WTA Tour.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) hits a shot against Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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What is next for Raducanu on the WTA Tour?
Moving forward, Raducanu has the WTA 250 Transylvania Open on her schedule. It will start on 25th October 2021 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Raducanu on her Moscow withdrawal: “Unfortunately I’ve had to make a tournament schedule change and won’t be able to play Moscow this year but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year. I look forward to returning to the tour in the next couple of weeks.”
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) October 14, 2021
More importantly, the 18-year-old had an outside chance to qualify for the WTA Finals. But since she lost in the second round at Indian Wells, she misses out on that opportunity.
Notably, Raducanu will now entirely focus on the tournaments scheduled ahead. Hopefully, the short break will realign things for her, and she will come back stronger than before.
Do you think Raducanu promises a bright future for tennis? or was 2021 her a one-season wonder?
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