Emma Raducanu has apologized on social media for rushing off the court after her practice at the US Open and not meeting a young fan who gave her some touching compliments.
The Briton needs some good practice time after not playing many matches before the US Open begins on Monday. Her last tournament was the Citi DC Open, where she lost to the eventual champion Paula Badosa in the quarterfinal.
Raducanu was not given a wild card for the Canadian or Cincinnati Open. Rather than participating in the tournaments' qualifying, she decided to skip both events and return home to Britain.
2016 Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig did not agree with Raducanu's decision not to play in either event. She felt Raducanu needed matches to gain momentum and thought she could jeopardize her chances of succeeding in New York.
However, Raducanu's compatriot Laura Robson disagreed. The Sky Sports and Eurosport analyst believes that not featuring in Cincinnati will give her an advantage in New York, and the 2021 US Open champion does not need many matches before a big tournament.
Interestingly, Raducanu admitted she may have played in the Cincinnati Open if she had been given a wild card. That indicates electing to train instead was not her preferred option but one she took because she did not want to play in the qualifying.
It is too late to change any of those decisions, though, and Raducanu must prepare as well as she can at Flushing Meadows. She started that during a practice session that was open to the public, leading to many fans coming to watch her.
Raducanu is a fan favorite among many in New York after her stunning run to the title as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021. Thar makes younger supporters incredibly excited to watch her during a match or practice.
The Briton heard one girl say she was her favorite player during the practice session. Unfortunately, Raducanu was not able to meet the fan after rushing off the court, and she apologized for this.
"To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favourite player at this mornings practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile. I’m very sorry I had to rush off after practice and I couldn’t see you near the court but please forgive me and I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a signed something or photo."
Some did not respond positively to Raducanu's message. Others on social media had previously posted about the 21-year-old rushing off the court without acknowledging any fans watching.
These people felt Raducanu was engaging in a PR stunt to protect her image. This view is very cynical. Fans do not know what she may have had to rush to after practice. Players have a range of media commitments they must fulfill before Grand Slams.
It would be best if fans focused on the positive side of Raducanu's desire to find the young girl to make up for leaving the court so abruptly and show her gratitude for her kind words.
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