Following her exit from the 2022 Madrid Open, Emma Raducanu explains how back pains were to blame for her not finding the required level.
Despite being impressive on the clay in recent weeks, the Brit got off to a slow start against Anhelina Kalinina at the WTA 1000 event on Tuesday. It was a valiant performance from the US Open champion, although she eventually fell to a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 loss to the Ukrainian.
Towards the tail end of the first set, Raducanu began showing signs of discomfort in her back. This led to her having to take a medical timeout later on in the match.
Unfortunately, not a stranger to injuries, the youngster explained that it was ultimately a strike of bad luck that prevented her from finding her best level.
"I would have given myself a five per cent chance of winning that match, and for it to almost happen, I think that was a positive thing. I was kind of struggling a bit with my back, to be honest."
"Throughout the week I have been carrying some niggles, and it's kind of just taking its toll, all of the matches at this kind of level. I think that's a good thing that I feel like I'm going through this and my body is building with each match I play."
Speaking about the coming weeks on the WTA Tour, the British number one appeared hopeful about her chances to continue competing at the highest level of women's tennis. Her next goal is the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome. In her mind, there is no doubt about what she wants to do.
"I'm not sure what I will do yet, whether I will go home yet or straight to Rome. The plan right now is to still go to Rome. I'm not sure when I start. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. I hope it's enough time because it would be a real shame to miss it."
If training goes according to plan, Raducanu will compete at the 2022 Italian Open next week, and she is enrolled on the entry list for the tournament. Considering that her rise to the top of the women's game came after the European clay swing in 2021, she has not previously been given a chance to play at tournaments of this caliber.
With that in mind, tournaments such as the one in Rome pose a great opportunity for her to get some valuable WTA points under her belt.
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