Emma Raducanu anticipated criticism for skipping the Olympic Games, but she believes it was the right decision for her career at this stage.
Since her memorable 2021 US Open victory, Raducanu has faced continuous criticism. When it was announced that she declined an offer to play in the Paris Games, her detractors were quick to criticize her decision.
Last month, Raducanu explained her choice, emphasizing her focus on her career and personal priorities over external expectations.
“I love playing for my country, as shown at the Billie Jean King Cup,” Raducanu said. “But I’m doing things on my own time now. I’m in no rush and everything I’m doing is for myself. This includes my tournament schedule and the balance between training and competing. I’m more focused on my own path and less influenced by outside opinions. I’m enjoying the process and being independent. The Olympics is not the right time for me this year, but I hope to participate in the next one. With the changing surface, it’s not worth the risk for me, especially after recovering from surgeries last year. I wish the team good luck.”
While it may seem unusual for an athlete to pass up the Olympics, Raducanu’s decision is logical. She faced similar criticism when she skipped the French Open qualifying to focus on grass court events in England. That choice paid off, as she performed well in Nottingham, Eastbourne, and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon. These successes moved her back into the top 100 in the WTA rankings, with a chance to break into the top 50 on American hard courts.
Opting to play on her least favorite surface at the Olympics, which offers no ranking points, could have hindered her progress. LTA Olympic team leader Iain Bates, who has worked with Raducanu, supported her decision, citing the quick transition from grass to clay and then to hard courts as a factor, especially after her recent surgeries.
“I’ve had various conversations with Emma, and it’s clear how much the Olympics means to her,” said Bates. “But the timing isn’t right this summer. The late notice, the surface change, and her ranking considerations are significant. Her goal is to improve her ranking and get back to the top of the game. Emma is young and has many Olympics ahead of her, including LA 2028, where she might have a medal shot. I’m very comfortable with her decision.”
Former world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska also supported Raducanu’s choice, noting that each player must make the decision that’s right for them.
“You can never tell how players are feeling, and they have their reasons for not playing in the Olympics,” said Radwanska. “The tennis schedule is tight, and you need to plan ahead, considering your body’s needs. Players know what’s best for them.”
Raducanu aims for a successful North American swing, including the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, potentially requiring wildcards. She will compete in the US Open, gaining direct entry through her improved ranking from her grass court success.
Skipping the French Open qualifying to focus on grass courts was a successful strategy for Raducanu, and she hopes her decision to skip the Olympics will bring similar rewards.