"It worked last time": Rennae Stubbs sees positives in Emma Raducanu having to play Australian Open Qualifying

The possibility of Emma Raducanu playing in the qualifying matches for the 2024 Australian Open could actually be beneficial to the British tennis star, according to Rennae Stubbs.

Raducanu has been sidelined due to injury since April 2023, having undergone ankle and wrist surgery. The 2021 US Open champion played in only five tournaments this year, but has announced her intentions to compete at the 2024 Australian Open. However, However, she will not be able to enter the main draw using her protected ranking of 103, which will force her to go through the qualifying round, receive a wild card, or hope that some players withdraw from the event.

Upon hearing the news, former player Rennae Stubbs expressed some confidence in the Brit's ability to do well despite playing in qualifiers. This would be reminiscent of Raducanu's path to her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2021.

"I mean I’m thinking Qs isn’t a bad idea! It worked last time! Great to have her back!" Stubbs wrote.

Raducanu defeated Leylah Fernandez in the final, becoming the first player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier. The 21-year old has since failed to live up to expectations, delivering subpar results while dealing with her physical fitness and numerous coaching changes.