Emma Raducanu has raised concerns about the changing tennis balls in the sport after having undergone wrist surgeries last year.
The 21-year-old highlighted that this issue is particularly fatal for the careers of players who have had prior injuries, mentioning how the heavy conditions have been challenging for some players.
Raducanu recently met the end of her Indian Wells journey with a loss to the world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. She had a somewhat successful stint, managing consecutive wins for the first time this year. She’s now setting her sights on Miami, aiming to continue her momentum.
Raducanu pointed out the contrasting difference in playing conditions between Indian Wells and Miami, noting the humidity and heavy tennis balls in Miami.
She expressed concerns specifically for players with wrist issues, emphasizing how the constant switching of tennis balls each week is not ideal, especially for someone like her who recently had wrist surgeries.
“The conditions are very different in Indian Wells compared to Miami,” she explained. “It’s very humid. The balls are very heavy. They are different, which I don’t think is great for any of the players’ wrists, but especially mine.”
“I honestly think it’s really bad for us, the way that we have to switch balls every single week and especially when you’ve gone through surgeries. I know a lot of players who are struggling with wrist problems, too.”
She compared this to other sports and how the conditions are somewhat similar for almost the whole season, unlike in Tennis.
“I don’t understand why every other sport is pretty much the same, whereas in tennis it’s different week to week,” Emma concluded.
This issue has also been spotlighted by other players, such as Stan Wawrinka, who criticized the frequent changes in ball brands across tournaments, and also by Nick Kyrgios who has been out of play for quite a time now.
Emma Raducanu listed in the Great Britain team for the Billie Jean King Cup
Emma Raducanu has been selected for the Great Britain team to compete against France in the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round.
Raducanu will team up with Britain’s top player, Katie Boulter, as well as Harriet Dart and Heather Watson, creating what Captain Anne Keothavong considers a “full-strength team”.
The matchup is scheduled in France from April 12 to 13, following France’s victory over Keothavong’s squad last year.
The victor of this best-of-five series will advance to the finals of the Billie Jean King Cup later in the year, while the loser will move to the playoffs.
