Emma Raducanu may face intense competition if she decides to participate in lower-level tournaments, warns former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Tamira Paszek. Raducanu’s 2024 schedule has been a topic of scrutiny, especially after she withdrew from the French Open to concentrate on Wimbledon, only to exit the US Open in the first round without any warm-up events. Reflecting on her preparations for the US Open, Raducanu admitted they fell short, and she hinted that she may consider competing in more tournaments in the future. However, an injury she sustained at the Korea Open has further delayed her plans for regular participation.
Paszek, speaking to Tennis365, cautioned that Raducanu would be a primary target for other players if she entered lower-tier events. Drawing on her own experiences, Paszek noted, “It’s easy to suggest playing smaller tournaments for points or matches, but stepping down to lower-level events comes with challenges.” She explained that higher-profile players are often seen as targets in these competitions, which can add psychological pressure.
Paszek emphasized that while some may argue Raducanu should play smaller events for consistency and ranking points, this is not necessarily an easy path. Success on a global stage like Raducanu’s US Open victory brings unique challenges, including expectations and targeted competition from opponents. Paszek also hinted that Raducanu’s journey post-victory may have been affected by a lack of effective support, which is crucial for any player who achieves sudden stardom. This insight highlights the complexities Raducanu faces as she considers a more competitive playing schedule.
