The former US Open champion opted to pull out of the WTA 250 grass-court event just hours after finishing runner-up at Queen’s Club, where she produced some of her best tennis in recent years. Raducanu’s withdrawal comes after a demanding week in London that saw her reach her first grass-court final on the WTA Tour.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong run at Queen’s, defeating several opponents in straight sets before eventually falling to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the championship match. Despite the defeat, the tournament marked a significant step forward in Raducanu’s resurgence and boosted her confidence heading into the most important part of the grass-court season.
Reports indicate that Raducanu’s decision was influenced by scheduling considerations and the physical demands of her deep run at Queen’s. She had also been managing a minor thigh issue after an awkward slip during the tournament, although there is no indication of a serious injury.
The withdrawal means Raducanu will skip Nottingham in order to focus on recovery and ensure she is in peak condition for the remaining grass-court events leading into Wimbledon. The move is viewed as a precautionary measure designed to avoid unnecessary physical strain ahead of the season’s third Grand Slam.
Despite concerns from some fans, Raducanu’s recent performances suggest she is building momentum at exactly the right time. Her run to the Queen’s final showcased improved consistency, movement, and confidence on grass, reinforcing hopes that she can make a deep run at Wimbledon.
With Wimbledon fast approaching, all eyes will now be on Raducanu as she continues her preparations for the prestigious tournament. Having rediscovered form and confidence during the British grass-court swing, she remains one of the most closely watched players heading into the championships.
For now, the Nottingham Open will proceed without one of its biggest attractions, while Raducanu shifts her focus to recovery and the pursuit of Grand Slam success on the lawns of Wimbledon.