Emma Raducanu gets her Australian Open campaign underway later today, but she had already made headlines even before the event had begun.
After all, the British number one did not hold back in her scathing assessment of the schedule while speaking to the press.
Her frustration came from the fact that she had been put on late, set to face Mananchaya Sawangkaew last on Margaret Court Arena after a men’s match that is due to start at 7 pm local time.
However, it is now arguably so clear why this has been done, as her complaints have fallen on deaf ears.
Emma Raducanu complains about the Australian Open schedule
Speaking about the scheduling, after her late arrival in Melbourne, Emma Raducanu claimed: “It’s very difficult. You would love to have more time in the environment, more time practising, but I guess I was pretty much handed the schedule to try and turn it around and make the most out of what is in front of me.
“It’s very difficult to be scheduling women’s matches after a potential five-set match. To me, it doesn’t really make much sense.”
Do you agree with Emma Raducanu’s thoughts on the WTA schedule?
Her frustration is valid, but the reasons behind this decision should actually represent a compliment to her.
Raducanu was recently told what she must change to start competing for Grand Slam titles. It will be interesting to see whether she can translate this into instant success at the Australian Open, despite suffering from this scheduling setback.
It’s clear why Emma Raducanu has been put on late at the Australian Open
After all, for the 22-year-old to have been put on such a large court at that time means the schedulers have meticulously planned the day around Raducanu.
This will be to ensure that she begins her match in prime viewing hours for the British public.
She is right to complain, but tennis is a sport that relies on eyeballs. Scheduling Britain’s biggest star right as her home country wakes up is a relative no-brainer for those forging the schedule.
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And, as her profile only continues to increase, Raducanu will surely face this problem more and more.
As she noted, it’s something she’ll simply have to get on with.
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