Emma Raducanu’s decision to skip the Olympic Games has come under fire once again, as the debate over why the 2021 US Open turned down a chance to play at Paris 2024 rumbled on.
Raducanu could have played in Paris on an exemption as a former Grand Slam champion but turned down the opportunity in favour of playing for WTA Ranking points and prize money in a tournament in Washington next week.
The 21-year-old stated she determined to operate on her own terms after defending her decision not to play the French Open or Paris Olympics attracted baseless claims that she is not fully committed to tennis.
“I’m going to do things on my own time,” said Raducanu, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon after deciding against playing qualifying for the French Open on clay in May.
“I’m in no rush to do anything and everything I am doing and playing for now is for myself.
“Whether that’s tournament scheduling, whether that’s how much time I take off to train compared to compete, I think I’m just way more focused on my own lane and less susceptible to outside opinions or views.
“I’m just enjoying it, just doing everything for myself and really just being independent out here.”
Despite her success on grass courts in recent weeks more than justifying her decision to skip playing on her least favourite surface of clay for the French Open or the Olympics, British star Heather Watson has now questioned Raducanu’s decision to turn down the chance to play in Paris.
Watson will compete in doubles again at the Olympic Games and she has expressed her bemusement over Raducanu’s decision.
“I can’t really comprehend it,” said Watson, as she was asked about Raducanu’s move to skip the Olympics.
“The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in history. So why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? Anyone in general who chooses not to participate, I can’t relate.”
When Team GB announced its tennis Olympic selection last month, LTA Olympic team leader Iain Bates insisted he was “very comfortable” with the decision made by Raducanu.
“I’ve had various conversations with Emma over the last couple of weeks and indeed over a longer period where it is really clear to me how much being part of a British team at the Olympics would mean to her.
“We saw how much it meant when she represented the team in April in the Billie Jean King Cup tie, but I think she also feels that this is not going to be the right timing for her this summer.
“I think a lot of that is the late notice for the spot, I think there is the bit around the surface change between grass and clay and hard. Everyone is aware of her history and the double wrist surgery from last year that places a greater stress on her.
“And of course, there is an element of where her ranking is currently and getting to the US potentially and keeping on pushing her ranking back towards where we all hope it will be. (It) is really significant for everyone to see her back at the top of the game.
“You always want to have a bigger team in the Olympics because it is such a cool event and it is such a great event for tennis players that play week in, week out on the tour.
“It is a fabulous experience, but you forget that Emma is 21 and she has got hopefully many Olympics ahead of her, which is what she said to me.
“I think she will get many experiences in the future, come LA (2028) hopefully when she is 25 and hopefully a medal shot.
“From an Olympic team side or head of women’s tennis side, I’m very comfortable with the decision that she’s made.”
Raducanu discussed the decision after she lost in three sets to compatriot Katie Boulter in the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open.
“I love playing for my country, that was pretty clear at the Billie Jean King Cup,” Raducanu reflected.
“I really fought and I enjoyed it so much, but the Olympics is just not the right time for me this year.
“I really hope to be part of the next one. With the changing surface, it is not worth the risk for me at this point, having recovered from the surgeries last year, but I do wish the team good luck.”
