Emma Raducanu has seen a lot of ups and downs this year! But now Raducanu is continuing her preparations for Wimbledon, where she has been given a wild card, at the Rothesay International on the south coast. However, at the same time, recently, she opened up about being unsure about her year while talking about her Wimbledon participation.

In a recent interview ahead of the grass-court major, the British tennis player sat down to pour her heart out in a real-time conversation about her upcoming year. Raducanu stated, “For me, it’s always about the rich history and traditions, like the pristine grass courts and iconic white dress code. It’s always the tournament that every player dreams of winning.”1

In addition, she also revealed that even though she is not very confident regarding this year, she has kept her faith alive with whatever comes her way. Further, she added, “Most importantly for me, though at Wimbledon, I feel in a place where I’m in love with the sport. Whatever happens this Wimbledon, I have full belief in myself for the years to come too.” 

Raducanu advanced to the semi-finals of the Rothesay Open in Nottingham last week, showcasing her developing potential. But British No. 1 Katie Boulter put an end to her remarkable run. It won’t be wrong to say that her choice to forego the French Open in favor of concentrating on the grass-court season seems to have paid off, as she displayed resilient play and excellent form throughout the entire competition.

While the Brit’s participation in Wimbledon is set, British tennis icon Sue Barker recently gave her some harsh advice regarding her comeback to the game. In an interview with The Telegraph prior to this summer’s event, Barker gave advice to the former US Open winner on how to handle pressure and control expectations in the highly anticipated competition.

She stated, “I hope she can just start enjoying it again because when she burst onto the scene at that first Wimbledon she was a breath of fresh air. If she could just learn to love to play again – rather than feeling ‘I’ve got to win because otherwise I’m going to get criticised’ – I think she’ll turn it all around.” 

Raducanu, on the other hand, has left her admirers perplexed and wondering after declining a wildcard entrance for the Paris Olympics, a significant event that comes just after Wimbledon.

Emma Raducanu’s decision to skip the Paris Olympics 

The 22-year-old tennis player, who won the Grand Slam, received a wildcard ticket to the next Olympics in Paris. The Briton, however, made the decision to turn down this esteemed offer in favor of concentrating on her upcoming WTA Tour competitions.

Raducanu said, “For me it was quite clear from the beginning, I am very determined and I want to do things at my own pace and in my own way, not like a diva, but giving priority to my body and my health. If I am in shape and if I give I have 100% knowledge that great things can come, but at the moment I feel like I can’t afford to put any more stress on my body and take any more risks.”

Raducanu is making a gradual effort to return to the tour, and the most recent feelings from her most recent games inspire optimism. However, it will be interesting to see what comes next. Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.