Emma Raducanu is determined to compete for Great Britain at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, despite uncertainty over her participation.
The 20-year-old, who hasn't played for GB in nearly a year, opted out of the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round for the World Finals against France in Coventry next month. But prior to leaving for the Miami Open, Raducanu said she intends to return to the GB team fold once she has found more consistent fitness.
But in order for the Bromley local to fulfil her dream and play in the most prestigious global sporting event, she needs to be available in the next twelve months to fulfil entry criteria for next year’s Games. “Of course I would love to play the Billie Jean King Cup. It's just this scenario is not the best for my body,” Raducanu said. “I really need to look after myself and do what's best for me on the match court. I would love to play the Olympics.”
Raducanu had revealed that she 'didn't know' when Britain would take on France when asked about her participation in next month’s tie following her first-round victory in Indian Wells. Her comment caught the eye of Britain’s BJK Cup captain Anne Keothavong, who took to Twitter to issue her response.
"My communication skills are generally good in case anyone was wondering,” she tweeted. Raducanu’s only participation in the BJK Cup came at the qualifier stage last year, where she featured for GB in an away tie against the Czech Republic which they lost 3-2.
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But Britain managed to get into the Finals by hosting the week-long showdown and reached the semi-final for the first time since 1981, while Raducanu was forced to pull out of the competition with a wrist injury. Speaking of injuries, Raducanu was troubled by more discomfort in her wrist during a defeat to Bianca Andreescu at the Miami Open.
In what was a very entertaining match at the Hard Rock Stadium complex, the former US Open champions showcased the form that won them their maiden Grand Slam titles. The British number one lost 6-3 3-6 6-2 in a hard-fought match where a single break won the first two sets.
Raducanu lost her opening match at the Miami Open this week (Robert Prange/Getty Images)The decider was initially tight before Andreescu reeled off the last four games to seal the win. Post match, Raducanu said she needs to find a long-term solution to her fitness problems.
"I just need to review after this tournament really and figure out what my next steps are," Raducanu said. "We have been managing it, keeping on top of it. I'm able to play in the short term. But the current solutions aren't very viable long term."
Andreesc had some kind words for Raducanu as she said post match: "You never know what you're going to expect, I just wanted to play my best with what I had and I think I did that. Emma played amazing and is an incredible player. I have a lot of respect for her and her results show how good she is."
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