Emma Raducanu to compete in fewer tournaments in 2026
Emma Raducanu risks reigniting criticism from tennis pundits after revealing her intention to compete in fewer tournaments during the 2026 season, reports BritPanorama.
The 23-year-old British star, who captured the 2021 US Open title, has previously faced scrutiny for her limited playing schedule, with former world No 1 Andy Roddick among those questioning her approach ahead of last year’s US Open.
Despite this backdrop of disapproval, Raducanu indicated in a BBC Today Programme interview that she plans to further reduce her competitive commitments next year. This decision comes as she expresses contentment with her current direction, though it remains unclear whether the strategy originates from her or her coaching team.
Raducanu’s 2025 campaign proved a mixture of promise and frustration. She reached the quarter-finals at the Miami Open and recorded two victories over Amanda Anisimova, demonstrating flashes of her considerable talent. However, the season was marred by inconsistency and some difficult defeats.
The Asian swing proved particularly troublesome, with foot and back problems compounding her difficulties alongside illness. Her year concluded prematurely following a loss to Lin Zhu at the Ningbo Open, described as one of her poorest results of the campaign. The persistent physical setbacks have raised concerns given Raducanu is still only 23 years old, yet she maintains an optimistic outlook heading into the new season.
Speaking to the Beeb, Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her current situation both professionally and personally. “I feel quite content with how things are going on and off the court. I’m in a pretty good place,” she said, adding that she feels “pretty relaxed ahead of next year” despite the challenges posed by her foot injury and health issues.
The Briton has been working with Francisco Roig, formerly part of Rafael Nadal’s coaching setup and previously employed by Matteo Berrettini, since August. She outlined a new approach to physical conditioning, emphasising the integration of fitness work into her warm-up routines rather than treating them as separate sessions. “You just have to try and drip feed as much as you can in for the overall health of your body,” Raducanu explained.
The decision to scale back her schedule is particularly notable given the criticism Raducanu has previously attracted for not competing frequently enough. Roddick was among those who questioned her 2024 US Open preparation, pointing to insufficient match practice following her Miami Open run that year. Whether the reduced playing strategy stems entirely from Raducanu’s own judgement or reflects input from her coaching team remains uncertain.
The Australian Open is creeping closer, a tournament Raducanu has never won previously. However, should she summon the magic that made her a US Open champion in 2021, a major triumph could be on the cards. A pivotal season lies ahead for Raducanu, who must now carefully navigate the expectations of a demanding sport while prioritising her career sustainability.
