With the clay court season concluded at Roland Garros, tennis has shifted to grass courts. The Nottingham Open has been a significant tournament, especially for Emma Raducanu, who is making a strong comeback. The former US Open champion was set to play Francesca Jones in the quarterfinals on Saturday, but advanced automatically due to Jones’ injury withdrawal.
Focused on Wimbledon
Raducanu, currently ranked 209th in the WTA, has been striving to regain her top ranking form. She skipped Roland Garros to focus on preparing for Wimbledon, and her efforts in Nottingham have paid off. Raducanu showcased impressive performance by defeating Ena Shibahara and Daria Snigur in earlier rounds, setting the stage for her quarterfinal match.
A Seamless Advance
In the quarterfinals, Raducanu was scheduled to face Francesca Jones, who had earlier surprised by defeating the higher-ranked Ashlyn Krueger. However, Jones withdrew due to a shoulder injury, propelling Raducanu into the semifinals without playing. This advance marks Raducanu’s first semifinal appearance since September 2022, highlighting her significant progress.
Semifinal Showdown
Raducanu will compete against fellow Briton Katie Boulter in the semifinals. Boulter, ranked 30th, had a convincing win over Magdalena Fręch. This matchup represents a crucial milestone for Raducanu, reflecting her return to form and the improvements in her game, particularly her serve. Raducanu’s insights into competing against top players like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka underline the importance of a strong first serve, a strategy she has been focusing on in her comeback journey.
