Emma Raducanu, the 21-year-old British tennis star, has come under fire for her decision to skip the qualifying rounds for major tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati, opting instead to practice in London ahead of the US Open.
Former Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig voiced her concerns during an interview on Tennis Channel, stressing that Raducanu needs more match experience to build momentum for the upcoming Grand Slam.
Puig explained, “We never really have to shy away from qualifying. It doesn’t mean you are less than by any means, but getting those extra matches, which Emma, I feel like needs at this point to get that momentum going into the US Open.” She further emphasized that the intensity of match situations is something that cannot be replicated through practice alone, adding, “Practice is practice, but playing in a match situation is something that can’t be replicated in practice.”
Despite Raducanu’s decision to train rather than compete, Puig expressed hope that she can still find her form for the US Open, though she remains uncertain about the young athlete’s strategy.
