Emma Raducanu has bold take disagreeing with Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek & others about tennis' hectic schedule

Emma Raducanu has refused to join her fellow players in criticising the WTA schedule. She offered some fresh insights into her preparation during the mid-season break on tour.

Raducanu wrapped up her year at the Ningbo Open, losing to Lin Zhu in the first round. She also competed in Beijing and Wuhan, but made early exits at both events.

Speaking to tennis journalist during a roundtable discussion, the Brit revealed her plans to improve her game. She also touched on the hectic calendar, saying it’s not inspiring when top players constantly complain about the schedule.

“I think that’s a challenge,” she says. “I don’t necessarily think it’s something to complain about because it’s what we are given. And we are making a great living as well. I mean it’s not all glamorous. There are definitely times when it’s very difficult and we are flagging mentally, physically, everything hurts. But at the same time what are we going to do about it," Emma Raducanu said

I am sure there are certain people who go to work and their bosses make them do something, but they have to do it, it’s their job. If we put up a front that isn’t complaining, I think that is a better example to the people watching, trying to get into tennis, the younger people. If they see all the top players moaning about the calendar, I don’t think that’s necessarily inspiring to look up to," Emma Raducanu added

Raducanu has a good season this year, garnering 28 wins from 50 matches, including a semifinal run at the Citi Open. She also reached the quarterfinals in Miami, but lost to Jessica Pegula in three sets.

The youngster chose to take a different stance from Iga Swiatek, Daria Kasatkina and Carlos Alcaraz, who have all criticised the busy tour schedule. While Swiatek called it “crazy,” Kasatkina said it was simply “too much” for players to handle.

Interestingly, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have been among the most active players this season. Both have competed in at least 75 matches in 2025.

"I don’t have something that can just blow someone off the court so I have to use my brain" - Emma Raducanu on changing her approach for the upcoming season

Emma Raducanu in action at the 2025 Wuhan Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty

Emma Raducanu was ranked outside the top 50 last year, but is currently among the top 30 players on tour. She spoke about her season in 2025 and pointed out where she could improve her game.

"In terms of my weapons or power, I don’t necessarily have something that can just blow someone off the court like that. So I do have to use my skill, use my brain a little bit more. But I also think that with Francis (coach), he’s trying to build a better quality, not necessarily by changing my physiological capacities, but just by using better technique, better timing and better movement," Emma Raducanu said

The Brit also felt proud to get through some difficult moments during the start of the season. After a third round appearance in Melbourne, she chalked up early exits in Singapore, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Indian Wells this year.

“I’m content. I think I’ve learned a lot about myself this year. I went through some very difficult times, on and off the court, at the start of the year. But I think it really taught me, like, the strength that I have to pull myself out of it. Also, what I need to do to avoid falling back in again. A lot of it is spending time studying, spending time learning, spending time nurturing my brain," she added

Raducanu is most likely to be among the seeded players at the Australian Open. She has been included in the entry list of the United Cup next year.