EASTBOURNE — Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been named in the entry list for the 2024 Rothesay International Eastbourne, a key grass-court warm-up event ahead of Wimbledon. The tournament, set to take place from June 24-29, features a star-studded lineup, including reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova and two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur.
Raducanu, who has been working her way back from multiple surgeries in 2023, will use Eastbourne as a crucial preparation event before heading to the All England Club. The 21-year-old Briton made her return to competitive tennis earlier this year and has shown flashes of her 2021 US Open-winning form, including a strong run at the Nottingham Open earlier this month.
A Strong Field for Eastbourne
The Eastbourne Open has long been a favorite among top players looking to fine-tune their grass-court game before Wimbledon. This year’s entry list is no exception, featuring a mix of Grand Slam champions and rising stars. Alongside Raducanu, the tournament will host:
- Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) – 2023 Wimbledon champion
- Ons Jabeur (TUN) – Two-time Wimbledon finalist
- Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) – Former French Open champion
- Madison Keys (USA) – 2023 Eastbourne champion
- Daria Kasatkina (RUS) – World No. 14
Tournament director Gavin Fletcher expressed excitement about the lineup, stating, "We’re thrilled to welcome such a strong field to Eastbourne this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to see world-class tennis just days before Wimbledon."
Raducanu’s Comeback Trail
Raducanu’s inclusion in the Eastbourne draw marks another step in her gradual return to the upper echelons of the sport. After undergoing surgeries on both wrists and an ankle last year, she has been carefully managing her schedule to avoid overexertion. Her recent performances, including a quarterfinal appearance in Nottingham, suggest she is regaining confidence on grass.
Speaking after her Nottingham campaign, Raducanu said, "I’m just happy to be back playing pain-free. Grass has always been a surface I enjoy, and Eastbourne will be a great test before Wimbledon."
Grass-Court Strengths
Raducanu’s game is well-suited to grass, with her flat, aggressive groundstrokes and ability to take the ball early. Her 2021 breakthrough at the US Open was preceded by a strong showing at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round as a wildcard. If she can stay healthy, Eastbourne could provide the perfect platform for another deep run at SW19.
Key Storylines to Watch
Beyond Raducanu’s progress, several other narratives will unfold at Eastbourne:
- Krejcikova’s Wimbledon Defense: The Czech star will look to build momentum after a mixed season so far.
- Jabeur’s Quest for a Major: The Tunisian fan favorite has come agonizingly close at Wimbledon twice—will this be her year?
- British Hopes: Alongside Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart are expected to receive wildcards.
The tournament will also serve as a litmus test for players adjusting to grass after the clay-court season. As Jabeur noted, "Eastbourne is special because it’s where you really start to feel the grass under your feet. The competition is tough, but that’s what you need before Wimbledon."
Conclusion
With Raducanu’s return adding to an already stacked field, the 2024 Eastbourne Open promises to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. Fans will be eager to see how the Brit fares against elite competition as she continues her comeback. Meanwhile, the likes of Krejcikova and Jabeur will aim to sharpen their games ahead of Wimbledon.
As the grass-court season heats up, Eastbourne remains a must-watch event, blending high-stakes preparation with world-class tennis. Whether Raducanu can recapture her Grand Slam-winning form remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Devonshire Park come late June.