Emma Raducanu will make her first grass court appearance of the season at the Nottingham Open next month. The young tennis star was given a wildcard to play at the tournament, which gets underway on June 6th.
Last week the Brit crashed out of the ongoing French Open in just the second round and she is already getting to work on the slick low bouncing surface in the UK. The teen was set to play her first tournament back on home soil at the Rothesay Birmingham Classic, but has opted to add a second pre- Wimbledon tournament to her schedule.
The British number one said: "I'm excited to return to Nottingham and it will be a great opportunity to play in front of British crowds for the first time this year. This event will always be special to me as I played my first tournament on the WTA Tour here last June and I can't wait to go back."
Raducanu will join a strong women's field in Nottingham, which includes former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and world No 11 Jessica Pegula. Defending champion and world No 6 Ons Jabeur has been forced to withdraw with a knee injury after crashing out in the opening round of the French Open.
The Bromley local played her very first WTA Tour event in Nottingham last year, losing to compatriot Harriet Dart in the first round. After an exciting run to the last 16 at the All-England Club in 2021, Raducanu will be keen to produce some solid performances before attempting to win the second grand slam title of her career in less than a month’s time.
Since her Wimbledon and US Open heroics, it has been tough going for the world number 12. She has struggled for form and suffered with injuries, and faced criticism from ex pros. An excerpt from an article in The Telegraph article stated: “Then there’s been the predictable backlash, as critics have lined up whenever she’s had the temerity to lose, or change, or capitalise on her sudden profile in a sport where the average retirement age is around 27.
“Even former world number one Kim Clijsters made veiled comments in March about players who have ‘sponsors coming in’ and are ‘treated like a princess’. Raducanu called any such talk ‘unfair’.” She will be keen to respond to those critics with a stellar grass-court season. World number 32 Dan Evans was also handed a wildcard to play in Birmingham, where he will play in the ATP Challenger tournament held alongside the WTA 250.
"The grass-court season is always a special time for British players,” the British number two said. “I can't wait to get back to Nottingham and play on courts that are always in such good condition.
“The home fans are always vocal in their backing and hopefully I can give them something to cheer."
