- Emma Raducanu accepts wildcard for Abu Dhabi Open qualifying, marking her first qualifier since the 2021 US Open.
- Raducanu lost her last match at the Singapore Open but previously reached the third round at the Australian Open.
- The 22-year-old is without a coach after Nick Cavaday stepped down for health reasons, but she is traveling with her fitness trainer.
Emma Raducanu has accepted a wildcard to play in the qualifiers of the Abu Dhabi Open. This marks her first time competing in qualifying rounds since her US Open triumph in 2021.
The 22-year-old is traveling without a coach, following Nick Cavaday’s departure for health reasons. Despite the change in her coaching setup, Raducanu remains optimistic about her journey through the qualifiers.
Raducanu Looks to Build Momentum in Abu Dhabi After Challenging Start to 2025
Emma Raducanu’s decision to compete in the Abu Dhabi Open qualifiers reflects her belief in the benefits of getting match-ready through qualifying rounds. Her run to the 2021 US Open title was a stunning achievement, where she made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, and now she’s looking to replicate her success on the court.
Having spent last week at the Singapore Open, Raducanu endured a tough three-set loss to Cristina Bucsa. Her early season has been disrupted, as she did not compete in any events before the Australian Open, but she made it to the third round there, showing promise despite the inconsistencies.
Raducanu has traveled to Abu Dhabi with her fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, but is still without a coach after Nick Cavaday stepped back. The absence of a coach could add pressure, but Raducanu’s self-reliant approach may help her navigate the challenges of the upcoming event.
With a competitive field including top-ranked players like Elena Rybakina and Paula Badosa, Raducanu will have to bring her best to the qualifying rounds. Her previous experiences in qualifiers have given her confidence, and it will be intriguing to see how she performs in this stage of the tournament.
“I think playing qualies is not something that I am against,” Raducanu said in 2024.
