A former Olympic champion has publicly questioned Emma Raducanu for skipping the qualifying events in Canada and Cincinnati.
The Brit flew back home to practice in London ahead of the US Open instead of staying State-side to get some extra matches in.
Her choice sparked criticism and Monica Puig has now weighed in.
The Rio 2016 gold medallist wants the 21-year-old to stop turning her back on qualifying tournaments. Speaking on Tennis Channel, Puig said: “We never really have to shy away from qualifying.
“It doesn’t mean you are less than by any means but getting those extra matches, which Emma I feel like needs at this point to get that momentum going into the US Open.” The retired Puerto Rican tennis star also believes that training won’t be as beneficial to Raducanu with the final Grand Slam of the season looming.
“Because let’s call it like it is, practice is practice, but playing in a match situation is something that can’t be replicated in practice and can only be done while competing,” she added. “Not really sure what the play was here but hopefully she can find her form heading into the US Open.”
Raducanu did get some matches in ahead of the US Open. She skipped the Olympics to focus on the North American hard-court swing and the decision paid off when she reached the quarter-final of the Washington Open.
But instead of building on that momentum, she hasn’t played since. After she failed to get a main draw wildcard into the WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, she chose not to enter the qualifying rounds. It raised eyebrows, especially when four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka showed her willingness to be a qualifier in Cincinnati.
Raducanu is currently being coached by Nick Cavaday, who she has known since childhood. Nick’s sister Naomi offered an explanation for her qualifying absences while commentating on matches for Sky Sports earlier this week but noted that she wasn’t privy to conversations about scheduling decisions.
“I think viewing it as extra matches, she got some wins in Washington, pretty happy with the level. Body feeling it a touch, trying to keep that managed,” Naomi said. “I mean, I think if she’d have had a wildcard into the main draw, she would have considered playing. I’m sure she considered playing in qualifying as well. I’m not privy to the scheduling decisions I’m afraid.”
