Emma Raducanu became the latest British tennis star to hit out at the officiating at the Nottingham Open, despite winning on Tuesday.
Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021, has played just one grand slam over the past 12 months after a succession of injury setbacks. She missed out on Wimbledon in 2023 after undergoing surgery, but was back out on court in Nottingham.
The 21-year-old, who was handed a wildcard in Nottingham, was one of seven British players in the draw. Two of them met in the first round, with holder Katie Boulter surviving a scare to get past Harriet Dart.
Dart criticised the umpire after that defeat, even offering a £50,000 bet after a contentious call. Now, Raducanu has become the latest to call the officiating into question after a straight sets win over Ena Shibahara.
“I feel like I was playing two v one on court – it was insane. I would have used probably at least four challenges," Raducanu said after her win. Unlike at Wimbledon, the Hawk-eye system is not in place in Nottingham.
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“I think a lot of the time they go both ways. Today I felt they were all against me but it just makes me feel better that I managed to beat her and the umpire as well," she added. "It is difficult when there is no challenge but it is something everyone has to deal with. Maybe it was just trying to make the match more competitive.
“It’s something I had to deal with and overcome. I am very pleased with the attitude I came out with from the get-go and also having to deal with the adversity too.”
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Raducanu won her match in straight sets (Getty Images for LTA)Raducanu's 6-1, 6-4 win sets up a meeting with Daria Snigur, who beat fellow Ukrainian and second seed Marta Kostyuk in straight sets. If she keeps winning and makes it all the way to the semi-finals, British number one Boulter could await.
After losing to Boulter earlier in the week, world number 92 Dart made the case for technology to be used across the board. “When there are a few calls that go against you and they are tight you then have to alter how you play because you are afraid the ball is going to be called out," she said. "I think for me today there were a lot of balls, especially ones that she overruled on some important points.
“It makes sense that we need to move to electronic line calling for everywhere, for everyone’s sakes, there’s too many disruptions, not just for me but for both of us. A few points here or there can really totally change a match.”
Boulter's second-round match is against Canadian qualifier Rebecca Marino. That match is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Raducanu v Snigur following on Thursday.
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