Greg Rusedski praises Emma Raducanu for ‘smart play’ as he predicts where she could be ranked next year
Tennis analyst Greg Rusedski has endorsed Emma Raducanu's decision to skip the remainder of the 2026 season to recover from injuries. By remaining inactive, Raducanu can utilize a protected ranking to secure entry into the 2027 Australian Open.
Why it matters
It highlights the strategic use of sports regulations to manage athlete longevity and career recovery after injury-plagued seasons.
Emma Raducanu has faced a very disrupted season once again, as a result of both injury and illness.
Raducanu last competed at the Queen's Club Championships back in June, where she reached the final before losing to Donna Vekic .
Despite her efforts to reach the biggest final of her career since winning the US Open in 2021, Raducanu suffered a stress fracture in her lower right leg. This injury has forced Raducanu to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open this year, and means she has now dropped outside the top 100.
Raducanu has shared footage of herself back practising on the courts, but she does not appear to have any plans to play any more tournaments this year, something her compatriot Greg Rusedski believes is a smart decision.
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