Emma Raducanu Criticises Umpire After Winning Return At Nottingham Open
Emma Raducanu expressed frustration with umpire Ana Carvalho following her first-round victory over Ena Shibahara at the Nottingham Open. The British tennis player, who skipped the French Open to prepare for the grass-court season, defeated Shibahara 6-1, 6-4. This match marked Raducanu's first win on grass since the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
Raducanu had been sidelined from last year's grass-court season due to wrist and ankle surgeries, which at one point required her to use a mobility scooter. Despite her win, the 21-year-old was dissatisfied with several decisions made by umpire Carvalho, suggesting that some calls were intentionally made to prolong the match.
"I feel like I was playing two v one on court; it was insane," said Raducanu. "I would have used probably at least four challenges! I think a lot of the time they go both ways. Today, I felt they were all against me, but it just makes me feel better that I managed to beat her and the umpire as well."
Raducanu's comments come just a day after fellow Briton Harriet Dart criticised the officiating during her loss to Katie Boulter in Nottingham. The tournament does not use electronic line-calling technology, which has led to increased scrutiny of umpiring decisions.
Despite her grievances, Raducanu was pleased with her performance and attitude throughout the match. "It is difficult when there is no challenge, but it is something everyone has to deal with. You can be fortunate in some ways. Maybe it was just trying to make the match more competitive. It's something I had to deal with and overcome," she said.
Raducanu also expressed joy at winning on home soil and advancing to the second round, where she will face Ukrainian Daria Snigur, who defeated second seed Marta Kostyuk. "An element of me forgot what it was like to play at home and have that support behind me," she added. "It's a great feeling. I am very lucky to have great support wherever I play, but it's not quite like coming and playing in the UK."
The victory is a significant milestone for Raducanu as she continues her comeback from injury and aims to regain her form ahead of Wimbledon. Her next match against Snigur will be closely watched as she seeks to build momentum in the grass-court season.
Just listen to this crowd! All love for @EmmaRaducanu from the home crowd #RothesayOpen pic.twitter.com/6PXrAjmZf0
— wta (@WTA) June 11, 2024
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