Emma Raducanu’s latest social media post throws up a big question – what about tennis?

Emma Raducanu’s recent social media silence has sparked considerable speculation regarding her tennis career and upcoming competition schedule. After her decision to skip the Paris Olympics, the 2021 US Open champion participated in the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, where she reached the quarter-finals.

However, since her loss to Paula Badosa, Raducanu has not stepped onto the court, raising questions about her readiness for the US Open. Despite being initially listed for qualifying in Toronto, she opted out, having missed out on a wildcard, and her current ranking precludes her participation in the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati.

This lack of competitive play leaves her with only three matches on hard courts ahead of the major tournament she won three years ago, highlighting a worrying trend for the young athlete.

Furthermore, Raducanu’s absence has fueled rumors of potential injury, although her camp has not confirmed any such developments. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has urged patience regarding Raducanu’s situation, emphasizing the importance of allowing her time to regain her form and fully participate in the tour.

He believes her quality and potential remain intact, provided she can compete consistently. With only 28 matches played in 2024, Raducanu’s limited schedule raises concerns about her ability to contend at higher levels if she continues to only enter events where she can secure wildcards.

As she approaches the US Open, the pressure mounts for Raducanu to demonstrate her capability and potentially solidify her position back among the elite players of the sport.