Jon Wertheim is one of the leading voices in tennis at the moment, as one of America’s finest tennis journalists.
Because of this position, his opinion is well-regarded, with Andy Roddick routinely employing him on his podcast, and Tennis Channel having made him a permanent fixture too.
His latest claims actually relate to Great British talent Emma Raducanu, although he was left rather frustrated with the 21-year-old for her conduct leading up to the US Open, which starts later this month.
Jon Wertheim not happy with Emma Raducanu
Speaking to Tennis Channel about Raducanu’s pre-US Open preparation, the revered tennis journalist was far from pleased with what she had done.
After all, having been snubbed Wild Card entries into both the Canadian and Cincinnati Open, she opted out of entering the qualifiers, meaning thus far her sole appearance at Washington remains her only hard-court tournament played post-Wimbledon.
Wertheim questioned the decision, claiming: ‘We saw this at Roland Garros as well, where she didn’t want to go through qualifying, the difference is that she never won Roland Garros!
‘It would have been nice as a former champion if she had gotten a wildcard, it would have been nice if she had played though.
‘I’m not sure I like this. A player at her stage and her phase of her career, probably ought to be in the draw in one way or another.
‘She looked good in Washington DC. But has taken some time off since. It would have been nice if she had gone out there and tried to qualify, that was her road to the title three years ago.’
Emma Raducanu has to build on fine Wimbledon run at US Open
If Raducanu is so averse to entering these prestigious events at the qualifying stage, then she simply needs to get her ranking up.
Naturally, 2024 was never going to be one of revolution as she returned from an injury-torn previous year, but next year she really has to push on to break into that top 32.
Currently ranked 71st in the world, a run to the fourth round of Wimbledon marked a huge step forward in Grand Slam performances, gaining huge points given she didn’t play the event in 2023. That is, despite coming under scrutiny, with Judy Murray fuming at Raducanu for opting out of the mixed doubles with Andy Murray.
Similarly at the US Open, she has a free run at the tournament, safe in the knowledge that she also missed that tournament in 2023 as well.
To kickstart that journey up the WTA rankings, another impressive showing in New York is needed, and could provide the foundation for a bright 2025 where qualification for events becomes a thing of the past.
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