A player's career is short": Raducanu defended after her decision regarding the BJK Cup

"We can't blame her for this choice." Supported by Mark Petchey, Emma Raducanu stands by her decision to turn her back on the Billie Jean King Cup to focus on a tournament where she feels confident.

Raducanu surprised British fans by choosing to forgo the BJK Cup Final 8, which starts Monday in Shenzhen.

The 2021 US Open winner prioritized individual competition by heading to South Korea to participate in the WTA 500 in Seoul. Supported by Francisco Roig, Raducanu showed clear progress during the American summer and wants to ride this positive dynamic through the end of the season.

A choice also justified by Mark Petchey, a television consultant and distant mentor to the 22-year-old player:

"It's very easy to side with those who think you always have to represent your country. To be honest with Emma, when you think back to what she accomplished on clay against France, she proved that when challenged, she is capable A) of producing the expected results and B) of wanting to play.

I don't think you can blame Emma for a schedule that doesn't make any sense.

From my point of view, I would have told her not to play (the BJK Cup) if she wants to be in a favorable position in Australia. Regarding public opinion, you know it's going to be poorly received.

But a tennis player's career is short. She is on an upward trajectory, and she knows the importance of being seeded. Seoul is a tournament that has worked well for her in the past.

Players always want to return to places where they enjoy the conditions. It comes just after the US Open, and you don't know what the level of motivation is among others at this stage of the season. So if you ask me, I would have told her to make the same decision she eventually made.