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Raducanu Skips Eastbourne to Train on Wimbledon Courts

Her coach supports the choice to prioritise on-site practice and fitness over extra grass matches before the Grand Slam.

Overview

  • This week Raducanu withdrew from the Nottingham Open and declined a wildcard into Eastbourne to spend time practising at the All England Club rather than playing another warm-up event.
  • Her run to the Queen's Club final pushed her back up the rankings to world No.31, a jump that makes her likely to be seeded at Wimbledon and gives her a more favourable first-round draw.
  • The decision is understood to have been influenced by coach Andrew Richardson, who rejoined her coaching team in May and is being credited with stabilising her preparation.
  • Raducanu’s Queen's week included rain-compressed scheduling and visible thigh strapping in the final, which teammates and commentators point to as reasons to favour rest and controlled practice over extra matches.
  • Pundits are split on the trade-off between match rhythm and injury risk, with supporters saying on-site practice protects fitness and critics warning that limited grass match-play could leave her underprepared for Wimbledon.