British phenomenon Emma Raducanu is gearing up for a comeback after a long injury layoff. However, the former US Open champion came under fire from another British legend for one of her bizarre decisions. The former US Open champion has also struggled to find her form, which saw her soar to victory in 2021.
Raducanu won 10 matches on the trot, three in the qualifying rounds and seven in the main draw. Emma created history when she won the silverware at Flushing Meadows as a qualifier. The period that followed her victory was rather sad, as Emma could not replicate her success. Moreover, the tour took a toll on her body, and she had to undergo surgery on her wrists and ankle.
Ann Jones, another British legend, ripped into Emma for her decision to let go of her former coach after her victorious run. Andrew Richardson and Emma parted ways soon after, and since then, the player has changed coaches three times.
So far, she has not found the winning formula with anyone else. Jones did not hold back, as she slammed Raducanu for such a “ridiculous” decision.
“Well, what did she think we all did? We had to find our own answers. You have to work at things yourself. To fire a coach after she had just won the US Open was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” said Jones (via Tennis World USA).
Emma Raducanu has also come under fire for her recent comments about her US Open championship. She has been away from the tennis courts for a long time now and is eyeing a return soon. However, her hopes of a comeback at the Australian Open hang by a thread.
Can Emma Raducanu make a successful comeback?
The 21-year-old announced her decision to kick off her return by winning the wildcard to the ASB Classic. Raducanu also has every intention of playing at the Australian Open. However, her chances of playing in the first Grand Slam are slim since she could not make the cut-off for the main draw.
Seven players, including former world number one Naomi Osaka, are set to use protected rankings for the main draw. Raducanu’s only hope now is to either get a wildcard entry or play through the qualifying rounds.
Emma can also use her protected ranking of number 103. Unfortunately, with several players set to make a comeback using their own protected ranking, the cut-off is at number 99.
Emma Raducanu has not played in eight months and will look to get back into the swing in Auckland. The tournament begins on January 1st and will be crucial for the young Brit.