Emma Raducanu finds a welcome voice of defence amid barrage of criticism
Emma Radaucanu has come under a barrage of criticism in recent months after skipping tournaments and then struggling with injuries in the second half of the year, but this should still be hailed as a solid year for the US Open champion.
That’s the verdict of former British No 1 Laura Robson, who has leapt to Raducanu’s defence after her latest injury setback. The 21-year-old confirmed earlier this week on X that she was pulling out of next week’s Hong Kong Open because of a shortage of match fitness.
Raducanu has not played since retiring midway through her quarter-final against Daria Kasatkina in the Korea Open last month and revealed she had sprained ligaments in her foot. “Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit,” she said in her post.
The world No 55 said she was “doing what I can” to be ready for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, with Anne Keothavong’s side taking on Germany on November 15.
Hong Kong is the fifth tournament the British number two has withdrawn from since her injury, sparking a debate over whether her body will hold up to the rigours of playing on the WTA Tour.
Plenty of critics have also questioned whether Raducanu is fully committed to the sport, but Robson has insisted the form she has shown in her comeback year after she underwent surgery on both wrists and her ankle last year has been encouraging.
“When you think about the months that she’s missed, to climb to the ranking she is now, it’s actually impressive. In that respect, she’s done really well,” Robson told Sky Sports, reflecting on Raducanu’s rise from a position outside of the top 200 in the rankings to a position where she is now just outside the top 50.
“I think everyone, including her, would like to see it happen more often. It’s all about figuring out what works for you and maybe she just got unlucky over the last few weeks because that would have been a run of four or five events in a row, which would have been great, but then you pick up one little injury or niggle and you have got to start again all the time.
“When you have the opportunity to play, she’s now realised that that’s the way forward and if you can play back-to-back weeks then go for it.” Robson went on to suggest Raducanu’s big mistake was opting against playing in the qualifying rounds in Toronto in August, as the Brit has played just four matches since the start of August.
“The break came after Toronto, and with hindsight wishes she should’ve kept playing through and then had a bit more momentum going into the US Open,” Robson told Sky Sports.
“It’s tough listening to her say that in New York because you constantly have the feeling as a tennis player that you could’ve done things differently. It’s still such a learning experience and the fact that she’s still figuring out what works for her, figuring out where she wants to play, and how many tournaments.
“The game style has been a bit more aggressive over the last couple of months, which is great, but I think it’s also a learning curve.
“When you look at her results when she has played well and consistently – she can beat almost anyone. She’s a great player with such an attacking game style but you just need to be able to do that day in, day out.”
