LONDON — Emma Raducanu voiced her frustration after a third-round exit at Wimbledon, criticizing the scheduling and court assignments that saw her face world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka on Centre Court while other high-profile matches were played elsewhere. The British star, who lost 6-3, 7-5, called the decision "so wrong" in a post-match press conference.
Raducanu's Disappointment with Scheduling
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, expressed bewilderment at being placed on Centre Court against Sabalenka while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner played on Court No. 1. "I think it’s so wrong. I don’t know why I was scheduled on Centre Court," she said. "There are better players here who deserve that spot more than I do right now."
The 21-year-old suggested the decision was influenced by commercial interests rather than competitive merit. "It feels like the tournament is prioritizing names and stories over actual rankings and form. I’m coming back from injury, and Sabalenka is a top seed—why not put us on Court No. 1?"
The Match: Sabalenka’s Dominance
Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, overpowered Raducanu with her aggressive baseline game. The Belarusian fired 34 winners and broke Raducanu’s serve four times. Despite a spirited fight in the second set, Raducanu couldn’t match Sabalenka’s intensity. Key stats from the match:
- Winners: Sabalenka 34, Raducanu 12
- Break Points Converted: Sabalenka 4/7, Raducanu 1/3
- First Serve Percentage: Sabalenka 72%, Raducanu 58%
Raducanu admitted she struggled with Sabalenka’s power: "She hits the ball so hard, and her serve is massive. I tried to mix it up, but she was just too good today."
Wimbledon’s Scheduling Controversy
This isn’t the first time Wimbledon’s scheduling has been questioned. Last year, fans criticized the All England Club for favoring British players on show courts despite lower rankings. Raducanu’s comments reignited the debate:
- Alcaraz vs. Tiafoe (No. 3 vs. No. 29) was on Court No. 1
- Sinner vs. Kecmanovic (No. 1 vs. No. 52) was also on Court No. 1
- Raducanu, ranked No. 135, was on Centre Court
A Wimbledon spokesperson defended the decision, stating: "Court assignments consider multiple factors, including player popularity, historical significance, and broadcast requirements. Emma is a former major champion and a home favorite."
Raducanu’s Road Ahead
Despite the loss, Raducanu remains optimistic about her comeback from wrist and ankle surgeries. She plans to play in the US Open series to regain match sharpness. "I’m building my way back. Today was a step forward, even if the result doesn’t show it."
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness
Raducanu’s remarks highlight a growing tension in tennis between commercial appeal and competitive integrity. While tournaments rely on star power, players increasingly demand merit-based treatment. "It’s not just about me—it’s about respecting the sport," Raducanu said.
As Wimbledon progresses, the All England Club may face more scrutiny over its scheduling choices. For Raducanu, the focus shifts to the hard-court season, where she hopes to reclaim the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.