Emma Raducanu shuts down ‘diva’ suggestions as she explains Olympics snub

Ewan West 17 Jun 2024 11:17 AM

Emma Raducanu looks on during a practice session

Emma Raducanu has defended her decision to turn down the chance to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics and declared she loves playing for her country.

The Brit explained that the timing of this year’s Games is not right for her as she looks to prioritise her body and health, while she shut down the notion it makes her a “diva.”

Raducanu was offered a wildcard for the Olympics reserved for Grand Slam champions by the International Tennis Federation as her current ranking was not high enough to qualify.

The 21-year-old opted not to make her debut at the Games this year, though, with the tennis event to be played on clay at Stade Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4.

Players who compete at the Olympics will have to switch back to clay courts from grass, having just made the opposite transition after the clay season. Following the Games, another swift transition will be required for the North American hard-court swing.

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Raducanu reached the semi-finals at the Nottingham Open last week in her first grass-court tournament since 2022 and was beaten by fellow Brit and eventual winner Katie Boulter.

Following her 7-6(13), 3-6, 4-6 last four defeat to Boulter, which was played over two days, Raducanu spoke about her decision not to play the Olympics.

“I love playing for my country, I think that was pretty clear at Billie Jean Cup, I really fought, and I enjoyed it so much, but the Olympics is just not the right time for me this year,” the 2021 US Open winner said.

“I really hope to be a part of the next one, but I guess with the change in surface, it’s just not worth the risk for me at this point having recovered from the surgeries last year. But I do wish the team good luck.

“So not in a diva way, [I’m] just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I’m fit, I know if I’m giving my 100%, I know great things are happening and coming.”

Iain Bates, who is Team GB’s Olympic tennis team leader, said: “[Raducanu] feels that this isn’t going to be the right timing for her for this summer.

“I think a lot of that is obviously in the late notice of the spot. I think there’s the bit around the surface change between grass and clay and hard, and everyone’s aware of her history and the double wrist surgery from last year.”