Emma Raducanu will take some time before returning to action following a deep Miami Open run as the world No. 48 has decided to pull out of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and also miss the WTA 250 tournament in Rouen.
After the 2021 US Open champion returned to the British team last year and went 5-0 in her BJK Cup matches, she also agreed to represent her nation in the qualifiers against the Netherlands and Germany in the Hague next weekend. But after reaching the Miami quarterfinal and beating some quality competition, the 22-year-old changed her mind.
“She needs a little space in the calendar to best look after her body,” Raducanu’s representatives said in a statement to British media.
During Miami, Raducanu was also confirmed for the Rouen Open, which starts on April 14th. That one has also been called off now.
Raducanu’s withdrawal is an unexpected setback for the British team
Considering how well the world No. 48 played in Miami, British BJK Cup team captain Anne Keothavong had all the reasons to feel well about their chances in the Hague. But now, the situation is completely changing for the British team.
“I recognize this has been a difficult decision for Emma. Of course you always miss a player of her quality on the team. We’ve seen what she can do in the past representing her country in this competition, but I have the utmost belief in the players who are traveling next week and will confirm a fifth player in due course,” Keothavong said.
Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Harriet Dart and Olivia Nicholls are the four players set to represent Great Britain. Meanwhile, a replacement for Raducanu is expected to be announced as early as today.
Raducanu is now expected to start her clay season at the Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 tournament slated to kick off at Caja Magica on April 22nd.
Tennis World USA