Emma Raducanu has opted out of participating in next week’s Canadian Open, choosing not to enter the qualifying rounds.
The 2021 US Open champion’s ranking was insufficient for direct entry into the WTA 1000 event, and she did not receive one of the four wildcards, which went to Naomi Osaka, Bianca Andreescu, Rebecca Marino, and Marina Stakusic. With her ranking still too low to enter directly, Raducanu is now expected to compete at the Cincinnati Open, where she is likely to secure a wildcard.
Raducanu recently chose to skip the Paris Olympics to prioritize her long-term health and improve her ranking. Her decision seems to be paying off, as she made a strong showing at the Washington Open, reaching the quarter-finals before losing in a tightly contested match against Paula Badosa.
This performance is expected to boost her ranking by 20 places, bringing her to No. 69, which would secure her a spot in the main draw of the US Open.
Reflecting on her progress, Raducanu noted:
“I started the grass season ranked outside of 200 and finished it in the top 100… It guaranteed me a spot hopefully in the main draw of the US Open. That was a big thing for me.”
Despite her current ranking improvements, Raducanu still faces challenges in securing direct entry into major tournaments. She remains focused on competing, staying healthy, and enjoying her tennis as she continues to rebuild her career.