Emma Raducanu skips tournaments before US Open

Emma Raducanu's preparations for the upcoming US Open have encountered a setback as she opted out of qualifying for two major WTA tournaments in North America. The 21-year-old British tennis star, who gained fame by winning the US Open in 2021 as a qualifier, has returned to London instead of competing in these prestigious events. Raducanu's decision comes after she chose to skip the Paris Olympics, focusing instead on her training for the final Grand Slam of the season, which is set to begin in New York on August 26. This summer, she articulated her strategy of transitioning from grass courts to hard courts, believing it was more beneficial than switching to clay for the Olympics at Roland Garros. Initially, her choice appeared to be a wise one, as many top players were competing in Paris while she concentrated on her preparation. However, the decision to decline qualifying opportunities may raise questions about her readiness for the US Open, especially given the competitive landscape of women's tennis. As the tournament approaches, Raducanu's fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if her training regimen in London will pay off, or if her absence from competitive play will hinder her performance in New York. The tennis community remains hopeful for her return to form as she aims to replicate her past success.