Team GB star Heather Watson ‘can’t comprehend’ why Emma Raducanu turned down the opportunity to represent her country at the Paris Olympics.
Raducanu was offered a spot in the women’s singles draw at this summer’s Olympics by the International Tennis Federation, but she caused a stir by turning it down.
Explaining her decision earlier this month, Raducanu said: “[I’m] just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I’m fit, I know if I’m giving my 100 per cent, I know great things are happening and coming.
“I just don’t think there’s any need to put additional stress on my body or any risk, especially with my history.”
Emma Raducanu opted against representing her country at the Olympics
REUTERS
It’s been suggested that the change of surface back to clay played a part in Raducanu’s decision with the hardcourt season now underway ahead of the US Open.
The 21-year-old will instead play in the Citi DC Open, where she could continue her rise back up the rankings.
But Watson, who will play in the women’s doubles at the Olympics alongside Katie Boulter, can’t understand why Raducanu would opt to skip the Olympics.
“I can’t really comprehend it,” Watson said.
“The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in history. So why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?
“Anyone in general who chooses not to participate, I can’t relate.”
LTA Olympic team leader Iain Bates had no issues with Raducanu’s decision to skip the Olympics, insisting he was ‘very comfortable’ with the situation.
“I’ve had various conversations with Emma over the last couple of weeks and indeed over a longer period where it is really clear to me how much being part of a British team at the Olympics would mean to her,” he said.
Heather Watson can’t understand why Emma Raducanu wouldn’t want to play at the Olympics
REUTERS
“We saw how much it meant when she represented the team in April in the Billie Jean King Cup tie, but I think she also feels that this is not going to be the right timing for her this summer.
“I think a lot of that is the late notice for the spot, I think there is the bit around the surface change between grass and clay and hard. Everyone is aware of her history and the double wrist surgery from last year that places a greater stress on her.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Emma Raducanu previously suggested it was due to the change in surface
REUTERS
“And of course, there is an element of where her ranking is currently and getting to the US potentially and keeping on pushing her ranking back towards where we all hope it will be. (It) is really significant for everyone to see her back at the top of the game.
“You always want to have a bigger team in the Olympics because it is such a cool event and it is such a great event for tennis players that play week in, week out on the tour.
“It is a fabulous experience, but you forget that Emma is 21 and she has got hopefully many Olympics ahead of her, which is what she said to me.”