Raducanu to carry the PR burden in pullout-plagued Korea

Emma Raducanu will be one of the more recognisable identities in next week’s WTA Seoul event after a mass exodus of four top-10 entrants.

The event in Seoul has suffered a major blow, with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek pulling the plug on her participation along with holder and US Open finalist 

Jessica Pegula (rib injury). New York semi-finalist Emma Navarro (“change of schedule”) and former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina (another mysterious no-excuse withdrawal).

Five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek cited exhaustion as her reason for skipping the long trip East after an Open quarter-final exit.

“My physical condition has not yet returned to normal since the US Open. I cannot go to Seoul. Please understand that I have no choice but to change my schedule,” she told Tennis Korea.

The 72nd-ranked Raucanu, whose Open title three years ago is fading into the rearview mirror, is trying to rescue another dud of a season, with criticism increasing about guidance coming from her family-dominated team.

After reaching a quarter-final in Washington in early August, she refused to play qualifying and therefore missed major dates in Canada and Cincinnati. 

A first-round loss at the US Open was the result.

Half-Chinese Raducanu has scheduled three events in Asia as she tries yet again to bring some order to her tennis career.

Main photo:- Emma Raducanu playing in 1st round loss at US Open 2024 -by Mark Greenwood International Sports Fotos Ltd