Emma Raducanu statement and why Brit rejected playing for Team GB at Paris Olympics
Emma Raducanu has explained her decision to turn down the chance to represent Team GB at the Paris Olympics, with the 21-year-old choosing to prioritise her body
British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu made the tough call to skip the Paris 2024 Olympics and put her health and fitness first. Since her stunning victory at the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has faced a challenging time with injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries that led to significant time away from the court.
Her Wimbledon singles campaign this year ended in the round of 16, while she opted to withdraw from a mixed doubles match with Andy Murray due to wrist issues, sparking some controversy, reports the Mirror. The 21-year-old, currently ranked third in Britain, was presented with an Olympic wildcard but chose to focus on maintaining her physical condition for the upcoming sports calendar. With her eyes now on the US Open next month following an encouraging performance at Wimbledon, Raducanu is determined to manage her schedule carefully.
Discussing her decision to withdraw from Team GB, she said: “I think I’m very single-minded, and I do things my own way and at my own time. Not in a diva way, but just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I’m fit if I’m giving my 100 per cent, I know great things are coming. I don’t think there is any need to put additional stress on my body or any risk, especially with my history”.
Explaining her decision to turn down a wildcard for the Games, she added: “I love playing for my country, I think that was pretty clear at the Billie Jean King Cup. I really fought, I enjoyed it so much, but the Olympics is just not the right time for me this year.”
“I really hope to be a part of the next one, but with the changing surface it’s just not worth the risk for me at this point having recovered from the surgeries last year, but I do wish the team good luck.”
The list of injuries suffered by the British tennis starlet makes for a grim read having battled back issues, a glute problem, wrist injuries, ankle troubles and abdominal stress – all before reaching 22. As a result, Raducanu will not be vying for an Olympic medal this year, leaving it to Britain’s No. 1 Katie Boulter and veteran Heather Watson, 32, to aim for gold. Watson, who stepped in to fill Raducanu’s spot in the squad, is set to compete in both the mixed and women’s doubles.
The former British No. 1 shared her thoughts on Raducanu’s decision with The Guardian, admitting she hasn’t delved into the specifics but struggles to comprehend turning down Team GB. “I can’t really comprehend it, personally, because the Olympics is the greatest sporting event in history,” said Watson.
“So why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? Anyone in general who chooses not to [participate], I can’t relate. It was the biggest goal of mine these last 12 months to make the Olympics. I have so much pride to be here. Within tennis, the Olympics isn’t looked at the same by all players, but I just can’t understand. Katie Boulter and I were having this conversation in our room, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
