Emma Raducanu was subjected to criticism after how few matches she played before the US Open, but the Briton is taking the opposite approach during the Asian swing.
Most were expecting the 2021 US Open champion to play further tournaments before the year’s final Grand Slam after she had a solid run to the quarterfinal of the Citi DC Open in Washington, losing narrowly to the eventual champion Paula Badosa.
However, Raducanu did not play any more matches before the US Open first round. That meant she had not competed in over three weeks before her contest against Sofia Kenin in New York.
The 21-year-old lost to Kenin in three sets, and many felt the outcome could have been different if she had played more beforehand. However, Kenin did play and would have presented a stiff challenge regardless.
Raducanu began her Asian Swing at the ongoing Korea Open in Seoul. The fast conditions at most Asian tournaments suit the Briton’s game when it is firing on all cylinders.
She won a tight match 7-6, 7-6 against Peyton Stearns in the opening round. Her battle with the American was close from start to finish, but Raducanu played slightly better in the crucial moments to prevail.
Raducanu backed that up with a more comfortable triumph against Yuan Yue to reach the quarterfinal. It was an impressive performance that demonstrates how good she is when near her best.
Unfortunately, the quarterfinal ended in grave disappointment. Raducanu retired after just 31 minutes against Daria Kasatkina because of a leg injury that was harming her ability to serve.
The former US Open champion’s injury history means every physical problem she has is concerning. Very few players as young as Raducanu have sustained so many injury issues at just 21.
Raducanu returned at the start of this year from severe wrist and ankle injuries that kept her out for nine months. Both problems required surgery, leading to a lengthy recovery time.
Hopefully, what caused her retirement against Kasatkina is not serious. It did not seem to be an overly severe issue, but it is impossible to be certain until Raducanu has thoroughly examined the injury.
A serious injury would jeopardize Raducanu’s plans to play more tournaments during the Asian swing than she did in North America. Her next scheduled tournament is the China Open in Beijing, starting on September 25th.
Raducanu’s injury shows the delicate balancing act she has. The 21-year-old is criticized for not playing enough tournaments, but overplaying could also be risky because of her history of injury concerns.
However, others might argue that Raducanu’s lack of match practice could lead to more injuries because she is not as used to the intensity of repeatedly playing matches every week.
She will try to change that by signing up for the qualifying at the 2024 Wuhan Open, something she has previously avoided in Cincinnati. This WTA 1000 tournament will give her a chance to go through the qualifying before earning her spot in the main draw.
Tennis fans will hope she is fit and ready to play at the upcoming China Open. Several withdrawals from the WTA 1000 tournament have already occurred, and losing Raducanu would be another blow to the tournament.
