Emma Raducanu weighs in on last-minute retirements: “It’s tough, but I understand the players”
WTA
Emma Raducanu spoke about last-minute withdrawals before matches as she prepares to face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Qatar Open, after receiving a wildcard from the organisers.
The 2021 US Open champion had already faced Alexandrova a few weeks ago at the Australian Open, where Raducanu won a tightly contested match in two tiebreaks, 7-6[4-2], 7-6[7-2]. It was a tough battle in which Raducanu hit 15 double faults. “I’m not sure what I changed in my serve today. I will be sure to reflect, look at that and come back to you.”
In mid-2024, Raducanu was set to play Alexandrova in the first round of Wimbledon, but the Russian withdrew minutes before the match due to physical issues, being replaced by Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazúa.
Raducanu was asked whether there should be a minimum time requirement for players to withdraw before a walkover is granted, but the Brit considered last-minute retirements legitimate. “I think it's difficult because I've been on the player's side. You're always hoping, when you wake up in the morning, you’re going to feel a lot better.”
Raducanu, who has suffered multiple injuries throughout her career, empathised with players who hold onto hope that they’ll feel better by match time. "Whether it's with illness, whether it's with injury. You're like, 'Okay, I'm going to see how it is in the morning'. I think it is good how it is, to be honest. It's just more having to deal with those consequences."
Recently, the former world No. 10 parted ways with her coach Nick Cavaday after a year—the longest coaching partnership she has had since winning the US Open in 2021. “I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit. Especially being post-surgeries, he helped get me back inside the world’s top 60,” she said. “I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we’ll stay in touch.”
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mandoist07-02-2025 - Ouch!!mandoist07-02-2025
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