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EMMA RADUCANU Wimbledon 2021
Tennis News, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis Players

‘I don’t know what caused it’ – Emma Raducanu after Wimbledon retirement


Emma Raducanu said she found it “very difficult” to regulate her breathing in her Wimbledon last 16 contest against Ajla Tomljanovic.

The 18-year-old Brit was forced to retire with Tomljanovic leading 6-4, 3-0 – ending her dream run as a wildcard on debut at the All England Club.

The world No. 338 became the youngest British woman to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon in the Open Era, and just the fourth British teenager to accomplish the feat in Open tennis.

“I’m really disappointed I couldn’t finish the match. I really wanted to be able to compete and try my best. I found it very difficult to regulate my breathing,” Raducanu told the BBC.

“It was emphasised by some long rallies which made it tough to keep my composure. I don’t know what caused it. I think it was a combination of everything that has gone on behind the scenes in the last week and an accumulation of the excitement and buzz.

“I think it’s a great learning experience for me going forwards. Hopefully next time I’ll be better prepared. I think I was prepared to go out there whatever time of the day.

“I was so excited. I didn’t find a problem with it [the scheduling] at all. Just to have the opportunity to go on Court 1 – I appreciate. There’s no problem.”

Wimbledon has been criticised for scheduling the match last on No. 1 Court, but organisers have defended their decision in a statement.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.