Emma Raducanu Criticizes Australian Open Organizers for ‘Very Difficult’ Scheduling
Emma Raducanu, the US Open champion, has expressed her frustration regarding the scheduling for the upcoming 2026 Australian Open. This criticism emerges before the tournament formally commences. Raducanu, seeded 28th, will face world No.195 Mananchaya Sawangkaew in her first match.
Concerns Over Late Match Scheduling
Raducanu’s match is positioned for Sunday night, potentially at 9:30 PM or later, following a men’s match between 10th seed Alexander Bublik and No.48 Jenson Brooksby. The athlete voiced her concerns, stating, “I think it’s very difficult to be scheduling women’s matches after a potential five-set match.” She emphasized that this late start could affect performance and preparation.
Adjusting to New Experiences
Reflecting on her experiences, Raducanu noted that she has rarely played in such late slots. The semi-final match during her victorious 2021 US Open was among the few instances where she faced this challenge. “It’s a new experience, something that I need to learn to do,” she said, expressing her commitment to adapting. Raducanu concluded that understanding these scheduling dynamics is essential for her future in the sport.
Recurring Issues with Match Scheduling
Last year, women often played after men in the night sessions, particularly in seven consecutive evenings. Despite this trend, Raducanu and other female players are scheduled to perform before men on two nights during this week’s sessions. This change offers a glimmer of hope for equitable treatment.
Recent Performance and Future Goals
Arriving in Melbourne only recently from Hobart, Raducanu is looking to make up for lost practice time. She had faced disappointments in her recent matches, including losses to Australian Taylah Preston and Lin Zhu from China. However, she remains optimistic, saying, “I know I still am on the way to where I want to be.” She expressed satisfaction with her approach during the last few weeks.
Looking Ahead
As Raducanu prepares for her matches, the prospect of a potential third-round showdown against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka looms large. Their last encounter was intense, with Raducanu taking a set but eventually falling to Sabalenka in two tiebreaks. The excitement for this potential match reflects both Raducanu’s resilience and her aspirations in the sport.
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