Following a series of promising performances on clay, British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu is set to return to action soon. After a successful Billie Jean King Cup campaign and a strong showing at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Raducanu suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Madrid Open. Now, the question arises: where will we see Raducanu play next?
The Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome is scheduled to take place from May 7, but Raducanu is expected to skip this tournament in favor of a WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, which runs from May 18-25. This event falls one week before the commencement of the French Open on May 26. Despite her impressive recent form, Raducanu’s entry into the French Open is not guaranteed despite her protected ranking of 103. She currently stands fifth on the alternates list but could enter qualifying if desired.
Experts believe Raducanu needs to carefully consider her next moves. Colin Fleming suggests that missing Rome and prioritizing Roland Garros qualifying could be a viable option. Anne Keothavong, on the other hand, highlights the risks of waiting too long between matches.
Raducanu’s return to the WTA tour has been marked by inconsistency. She struggled with injuries and early exits in several tournaments. However, her performances in Abu Dhabi and Indian Wells offer glimpses of her potential.
With the 2024 French Open approaching, tennis fans eagerly await Raducanu’s next appearance. Her decision to play in Strasbourg or attempt to qualify for Roland Garros will provide insights into her strategic planning for the upcoming clay-court season.
