Emma Raducanu sparks warning for Wimbledon chiefs as injury concerns cast
Emma Raducanu is hoping to feature at Wimbledon.
British star Emma Raducanu believes that conditions are getting ‘slower and slower’ on grass courts as she sent a subtle warning to tennis chiefs.
The 2021 US Open champion underwent multiple surgeries last year after recurring injuries saw her plummet down the world rankings and struggle for consistency.
The 21-year-old went under the knife for procedures on both of her wrists and one of her ankles, and she is now gradually returning to fitness. Raducanu has been looking to recapture her best form since returning to the court but opted to skip the French Open recently in favour of spending time adjusting to the demands of the upcoming change in surface.
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The world No. 208 felt that preparing for the grass season was more favourable than competing at Roland Garros, with her sights firmly set on enjoying this stage of the year.
Raducanu is hoping to feature at Wimbledon this summer, though her current ranking would not qualify her for a direct entry place and she will therefore need to perform well at the Rothesay Open in Nottingham, as well as potentially in Birmingham and Eastbourne to book her spot at the competition.
Speaking ahead of what promises to be a busy spell for Raducanu, the Brit has admitted that she has noticed the slowing conditions of grass courts in a message which may prompt Wimbledon chiefs to sit up and take notice.
She told WTA Tennis: “There's zero apprehension when I'm hitting the ball or designing my schedule. It's more just being proactive and not wanting to put yourself in any unnecessary situations. We have to change balls every single week, and they don't regulate the ball with the conditions.
“It's a factor where I have to miss certain events because either the conditions or the balls don't favour my situation.
"It was important for me to take time to transition on to the grass, because the balls over the grass-court season are so heavy. I feel like conditions are getting slower and slower on grass courts and especially for myself having had wrist surgeries, I needed to prioritize the transition."
Having spent such an extended spell on the sidelines, which confined her to a scooted at times, Raducanu is in no rush to accelerate her return, with the long-term implications of trying to compete in every competition being heavily considered.
