Emma Raducanu received some positive news after an early Abu Dhabi Open exit as the British tennis player will return to action next week after the Qatar Open organizers handed her a late wildcard.
After losing in the Singapore first round as a wildcard last week, the same happened to the world No. 56 this week after she lost a battle between two Grand Slam champions to Marketa Vondrousova 3-6 4-6.
Since the Briton didn’t have any scheduled tournaments for the rest of February, it wasn’t clear when she would play again.
“I have no idea. I’m going to take it week by week. See how I am, see how the body is and see what kind of plan we put in place, I guess,” Raducanu said last weekend in Abu Dhabi.
“But I’m not thinking too far ahead, just trying to take it day by day in the current situations.”
Raducanu will have a chance to bounce back in Doha
Two days after her Abu Dhabi first-round loss, the 22-year-old accepted a main draw wildcard into the first WTA 1000 tournament of the year in Doha.
For the former world No. 10, it will be her second appearance at the Qatar Open.
In her debut last year, Raducanu didn’t impress since she was beaten by Anhelina Kalinina in the first round.
Since the majority of top players are slated to play in Doha next week, the Briton could easily stumble upon a major name early in the tournament since she will be unseeded.
However, playing at the Qatar Open could also be a great opportunity for her to turn the page and finally get some rhythm and momentum going after a rough start to the year.
It will be interesting to see if Raducanu can at least win one match in Doha and put an end to her three-match losing streak.
Tennis World USA