Emma Raducanu has expressed that she isn’t overly worried about her tournament results, emphasizing that her focus this year is on enhancing her game. The 21-year-old has won three matches in the four tournaments she’s played since returning from an eight-month injury hiatus. She’s scheduled to face qualifier Rebeka Masarova in the first round at Indian Wells on Thursday.
Raducanu explained, “I want to work on becoming a better tennis player. I think for me I’m not too concerned about this year’s tournaments.” She highlighted the importance of prioritizing her game development over simply accumulating match experience.
She emphasized the need to focus on skills development rather than solely pursuing match play or dropping down to Challenger level tournaments. Reflecting on her journey, Raducanu mentioned that she played her best tennis in 2023 at Indian Wells, where she reached the fourth round despite facing the possibility of wrist surgery.
Acknowledging her recent fatigue, Raducanu appreciated the opportunity to regroup and prepare for the American swing after a busy schedule since December. She also hinted at the possibility of representing Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie in France in April, contingent on being selected by captain Anne Keothavong.
Regarding her potential participation, Raducanu remarked, “I don’t know if I’ll get the call-up.” However, she indicated that it would make sense to play if asked, particularly since it precedes the WTA tournament in Stuttgart, which is also on indoor clay.
Katie Boulter secured her second WTA title in San Diego on Sunday.
“I think emotionally and physically there’s always going to be a little bit of wear and tear after a week like that. I’ve only ever played in qualifying here, I’ve never played main draw,” Boulter explained.
While the top 32 players in the world receive a bye into the second round, world number 27 Boulter is having to play a first-round match as the seedings are based on last week’s rankings.
British men’s number one Cameron Norrie does have a bye into the second round and will not play until Saturday. However, Jack Draper, Andy Murray, and Dan Evans are all in first-round action, with Draper and Murray playing on Wednesday.
Draper has had little time to recover from a bout of food poisoning, which forced him to retire during the deciding set of Friday’s Mexican Open semi-final against Alex de Minaur.
The 22-year-old plays Christopher O’Connell of Australia while Murray takes on qualifier David Goffin of Belgium on Centre Court.
Murray announced in Dubai last week that he is “likely not going to play past this summer,” but says he doesn’t feel any relief at sharing his plans after months of questioning.
“I’ve been asked about it most weeks since Wimbledon last year. I personally don’t think it has much bearing on how I play or perform but I guess we’ll find out on the match court. Since I arrived here, practices have been good, so let’s see,” the former world number one added.
Liam Broady and Harriet Dart failed to add their names to the 96-player draws when they fell in the final round of qualifying on Tuesday.
