Emma Raducanu hit back and the criticism she received for taking time off after the Miami Open.
Following a somewhat underwhelming start to 2025, the 22-year-old reached the quarter-finals in Florida.
She defeated the American duo of Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova on the way to the last eight at the WTA 1000 event.
But Raducanu has not played since and this was a decision that former World number one Andy Roddick could not fathom.
Emma Raducanu responds to schedule decision ahead of Madrid Open
Throughout her career so far Emma Raducanu has illustrated that she will not hesitate to make a deduction she feels is best for her, regardless of any criticism she may face.
For example, Raducanu chose not to enter the 2024 French Open qualifiers, and chose not to compete at the Paris Olympics.
Once again there has been a divisive response to Raducanu deciding to delay the start of her clay court season until the Madrid Open, which confused Andy Roddick. “She was playing great,” he said on his ‘Served’ podcast.
“She just found her form; why is she recalibrating? What does that mean? I get so frustrated. I think she’s so good for the game, I’m such a fan of hers.
“I personally like listening to her reasoning on things, and it’s just like you get to the quarters, and you’re finally kind of getting momentum, and you stop.
“She looked great, looked like a top-ten player in Miami. Why put a speedbump in your season? It seems like it happens over and over.”
During an interview with Sky Sports ahead of entering the Madrid Open, Raducanu explained her decision to take a break after the Miami Open.
“I took a small break after Miami,” Raducanu said. “It was a really positive week for me and after that because of the first bit of the season where I was so back to back, and it wasn’t the best start to the season, I would say it was just nice to rest the body.
“At the same time I needed time to get used to a new surface, because it is very different, and it’s not a surface I have spent a lot of time on.
“I barely played a clay season last year, I played indoor clay, and then stopped after Madrid. So that was needed for me and I feel a little bit more comfortable on the clay. Still there wasn’t so much time but much better.”
Who will Emma Raducanu play at the Madrid Open?
After nearly a month since she last competed Raducanu will return to action at the Madrid Open.
The 2021 US Open champion will compete in her first tournament on clay since playing in the Spanish capital a year ago.
The World number 49 will take on Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens, who she will play for the very first time in her career.
The 25-year-old is in good form after reaching the Open de Rouen semi-finals on Saturday, and Raducanu will need to produce a solid performance to claim victory.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
