After the Australian Open, Emma Raducanu is willing to play at a lower level in order to rediscover her form, saying, “It’s not that different.”

Emma Raducanu is willing to compete at a lower level to regain her peak form after falling to the 296th position in the WTA rankings. The former world No. 4 experienced a significant drop in her ranking due to an extended injury hiatus in 2023. Following a second-round loss to Wang Yafan in straight sets amid a battle with illness, she now finds herself outside the top 300 players globally.

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Despite having a protected ranking of 103 that she can use for a specified number of entries, Raducanu’s current ranking is too low to secure direct entry into WTA events.

Emma Raducanu was fortunate to secure an automatic spot at the Australian Open without going through qualifying, thanks to withdrawals. However, with uncertainties surrounding her participation in major tournaments, the 21-year-old is willing to compete at a lower level for long-term benefits.

Raducanu expressed her belief that the disparity in skill levels between what is commonly referred to as “lower-level tournaments” and major events is not significant. She emphasized the valuable experience gained in different playing conditions, citing the windy conditions at a recent match. Raducanu highlighted that her opponent, Wang, had played numerous ITF matches, indicating that the level of competition isn’t drastically different.

In considering her future plans, Raducanu stated, “So yeah, I would play whatever suits my schedule, whatever suits the plan.”

Raducanu has been granted a wild card for the Abu Dhabi Open in February. Following this, she is set to participate in the “sunshine double” of Indian Wells and the Miami Open. The 2021 US Open champion plans to compete in both events, utilizing her protected ranking, which should secure her a qualifying spot.

However, Raducanu expressed her desire to build a streak of matches before these prominent tournaments commence.

“I would love to participate in some events beforehand,” she expressed. “I think, going back, training a bit, refining some aspects. Then it depends on the ranking and wild card situation.”

Raducanu is also open to the idea of working more regularly with a fitness coach, especially after facing challenges during crucial moments in matches.

While in Australia and New Zealand, three out of the four matches Emma Raducanu played extended to three sets, and her physical condition noticeably declined.

“I worked with a really good trainer back in London,” Raducanu shared. “But he’s with the Lawn Tennis Association, so I don’t know if he travels too much. I think that occasionally traveling with a fitness coach during specific weeks is a great idea. For example, when the tournaments span two weeks.”

“If you get eliminated early, it’s a perfect opportunity for a 10-day training block. So I think it’s something worth considering. But in the near future, I believe it’s about dedicating more time to practice for refining any areas that need improvement.”