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Raducanu Slams "Difficult" Aus Open Schedule
18 Jan
Summary
- Raducanu criticizes late Australian Open schedule due to flight delays.
- She faces a late-night match after a men's five-setter.
- Djokovic exited the PTPA due to disagreements over a lawsuit.
Emma Raducanu has expressed her strong dissatisfaction with the Australian Open's scheduling, deeming it "very difficult." The British No. 1's first-round match against Mananchaya Sawangkaew is set for a late Sunday night slot. This follows a delayed flight from Hobart, meaning Raducanu will have had minimal time to acclimatize and only one training session in Melbourne before competing.
Her match is scheduled after a men's best-of-five-sets encounter, raising concerns about player welfare and fair conditions. Raducanu acknowledged the situation, stating her intention to focus and adapt, viewing it as a learning experience. She noted that this late-night play is a new situation for her, rarely experienced previously in her career.
Separately, Novak Djokovic elaborated on his decision to leave the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA). He cited his name being overused and a disagreement with the leadership's direction, particularly concerning a lawsuit in which he chose not to be a plaintiff. Djokovic still supports the PTPA's mission for player representation.
