Barbara
Schett advised Emma Raducanu after she withdrew from the French Open
qualifiers. The former tennis player commented in Express Sport that Raducanu
needs to play more matches to gain confidence and praised the young Brit for
taking several weeks of training before the grass swing.
The 2021 US
Open champion hoped to enter the main draw of Roland Garros but fell three
spots short. Raducanu was set to play the tournament’s qualifiers but decided
to skip Roland Garros to focus her energies on the grass swing, especially the
upcoming Wimbledon.
Raducanu urged by Schett to play more matches
According
to Barbara Schett, it was a good decision for Raducanu to prioritize the grass
swing: “I think because she didn’t get a wildcard for the main draw it would’ve
made that decision a little bit easier for her,” Schett said. “She loves
playing on grass. She always had interesting decisions. She has a different
view on things a lot of the time but whatever works for her.”
“I think
the grass court season is an important season for her. Obviously she’s going to
play all the tournaments in Britain and Wimbledon is a highlight for her,
that’s where she wants to play her best,” the former world No. 7 added. “And
she always is a big believer that she gets her confidence in practice and she
said yeah I want to do this long practice block now for three weeks and then be
full of confidence.”
Emma Raducanu at 2022 Wimbledon
Raducanu
has repeatedly highlighted that training blocks fill her with confidence, but
Schett believes Raducanu should play more matches in tournaments, even if it
means attending smaller events: “I think that sometimes it would be good for
her, if you look at her schedule this year she played all the big events, she
got wildcards. Maybe it’s good to play a little bit of a smaller event to get
those matches in,” the Austrian added.
“Because
practice is important, when you’re fit and everything it gives you a lot of
confidence. But at the end of the day you need to play matches, that’s where
you get confidence as well. It’s her decision, obviously she knows what’s best
for her and her team and we’ll see how she goes on the grass,” Schett
concluded.
Read also
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
