Andy Roddick sounds off on Emma Raducanu seemingly not wanting to play qualifying

Andy Roddick Sounds Off on Emma Raducanu’s Reluctance to Play Qualifying Matches

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick has never been one to mince words, and in a recent commentary, the American tennis legend shared his thoughts on Emma Raducanu’s apparent reluctance to play qualifying rounds in upcoming tournaments. Roddick’s remarks come as the British star continues her return from injuries, with some speculating that she may opt to skip events where she’d have to play qualifiers—despite her drop in rankings following an extended absence from the tour.

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has struggled to maintain momentum since her meteoric rise. Her ranking, once as high as No. 10, has plummeted due to inconsistent form and recurring injuries, most recently undergoing surgeries on both her wrists and ankle. As a result, she has slipped well outside the top 100, a position that often requires players to participate in qualifying rounds for entry into bigger tournaments.

Roddick, known for his straightforward and candid analysis, commented on Raducanu’s situation during a recent tennis broadcast. He addressed rumors suggesting that the 21-year-old might be hesitant to enter qualifiers, preferring to rely on wild cards for direct entry into main draws.

“Look, you’ve gotta do what it takes to get back,” Roddick said. “Everyone has to go through tough periods. If that means playing qualifiers, you play qualifiers. I don’t care if you’ve won a Slam before—you’re only as good as your last result, and right now, she’s got a lot of work to do.”

The former US Open champion stressed that the path back to the top is rarely smooth and that players, no matter their previous success, must be willing to embrace the grind if they want to make a full comeback. “She’s young, and yes, injuries have set her back, but skipping out on qualifying is not the answer if she really wants to get back into the top 10 or even top 50.”

Roddick’s remarks highlight the tension that exists for many young players who experience early success on tour. Raducanu’s stunning run in 2021 made her the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam, but it also thrust her into the spotlight with enormous expectations. Since then, she has struggled to replicate that form, and the constant coaching changes and physical setbacks have further complicated her journey.

The tennis world remains divided on Raducanu’s current approach. Some argue that, as a Grand Slam champion, she has earned the right to leverage wild cards and pick her spots. Others, like Roddick, believe that skipping qualifiers could hinder her ability to regain match fitness and confidence on court.

While Roddick’s comments have sparked debate, they also serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of professional tennis. The sport is unforgiving, and even Grand Slam champions must continuously prove themselves to remain at the top.

Raducanu has yet to publicly respond to the speculation, but her upcoming schedule will provide a clearer indication of her strategy moving forward. Whether she opts to play qualifying matches or rely on wild cards, one thing is certain: her journey back to the elite ranks of the WTA will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

For now, Roddick’s message is clear: “If you want it bad enough, you’ll do what it takes. No shortcuts.”