Emma Raducanu airs complaints about 'really bad' issue sparking injury concerns
Emma Raducanu explained why players were struggling going into the Miami Open.
Emma Raducanu has complained about the changing tennis balls in tennis after undergoing surgeries on both of her wrists last year. The 21-year-old explained that it was especially “bad” for those who suffered from injuries before, with the heavy conditions causing issues for some of her competitors.
Raducanu’s Indian Wells campaign came to an end on Monday as she lost to world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. It was a positive run for the Brit overall, as she earned back-to-back wins for the first time this year. She now heads to Miami looking to build on her form, though there’s one glaring issue that Raducanu faces as she adjusts to the environment in Florida.
“The conditions are very different in Indian Wells compared to Miami,” the 2021 US Open 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.”
The changing tennis balls have become a contentious issue on the tour, with the likes of Stan Wawrinka calling tournaments out for switching brands every week. And Raducanu explained why it’s even worse for her, given that she had operations on both of her wrists last year to solve ongoing problems.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
The world No. 250 continued: “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.
“I don’t understand why every other sport is pretty much the same, whereas in tennis it’s different week to week.” Despite the issues, Raducanu should have plenty of time to adjust as she has already been hitting in the Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the Miami Open.
Don't miss...
Wawrinka tears into Wimbledon and Slams with support for £1.5bn Saudi takeover [RESPONSE]
Sinner's coach makes strong 'torture' statement as Halep appeals drugs ban [REACTION]
Djokovic explains unusual Miami Open withdrawal as Serb set for four-week break [UPDATE]
Her record in Florida isn’t the greatest - she has just one match win at the tournament in two appearances and crashed out in her opening round last year. But Raducanu is feeling good after a good showing in Indian Wells, where she beat Rebeka Masarova in the first round and led Dayana Yastremska 4-0 in her second match before the 30th seed retired.
“I did make progress here on the match court compared to when I was playing in the Middle East last month,” the 21-year-old said. “I had a better mentality. just fighting a lot harder for every point. I think I’m proud of myself for that, just really showing up, being hungry and wanting to be there.”