Had Raducanu progressed in the tournament she would have had little rest before her next match.
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Wimbledon organisers have defended the scheduling of Emma Raducanu’s match against Ajla Tomljanovic.
The fourth round match was placed last on Monday’s schedule and was delayed further until 8pm by a five set men’s match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev.
The scheduling broke with convention, with all the other women’s fourth round matches played earlier in the day ahead of the women’s quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Wimbledon organisers sent their best wishes to Raducanu, who retired from the match after experiencing breathing issues.
She did not return to the match after an off-court a medical time out when down 6-4 3-0.
The All England Club said: “We were very sad to see Emma forced to withdraw from her match last night and wish her all the best with her recovery.
“She should be commended for the poise and maturity she has shown throughout the Wimbledon fortnight and we very much look forward to welcoming her back to Wimbledon next year and in the years to come.”
Emma Raducanu made history by becoming the youngest British woman to make the fourth round at Wimbledon in the Open Era. Source: Associated Press
A complex operation
The AELTC added: “In respect of scheduling, as always, the scheduling of the order of play each day at the Championships is a complex operation and, although we take great care when scheduling matches and allocating courts on a daily basis, it is not an exact science.
“All decisions are made with fairness and the best interests of the tournament, players, spectators and our worldwide broadcast audience at heart, but the unpredictable nature of the length of matches and the British weather can and will cause disruption to any schedule.”
Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong said: “No one enjoyed watching that. It was really a disappointment for everyone.
“It was hard to see that coming but we have to remind ourselves she’s 18, she’s here on her debut, she has had very little experience at tour level. What she’s achieved has been outstanding.
“It was a big moment and she was aware of it. I know she prepared for that match in the same way she prepared for her previous matches. It’s just unfortunate the way things panned out. She will find herself in similar situations again and she’ll be stronger for it.”
Breakthrough moment
Emma Raducanu had enjoyed a successful first week at Wimbledon, winning her third round match against world number 45 Sorana Cirstea in straight sets.
The 18-year-old is still waiting for her A-level results. Prior to the Championships at Wimbledon, she had only played one match on the professional tour.
Many people, including stars like Liam Gallagher, took to social media to express their support for the rising player.
In an interview after her third round match she said: “Who would have thought, it is funny because at the start when I was packing to come into the bubble, my parents were like, ‘Aren’t you packing too many sets of match kit?'”
After entering Wimbledon as a wild card and 336th in the world, her success will propel her much higher into the rankings.
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HeadlineWimbledon organisers defend scheduling of Raducanu match
Short HeadlineWimbledon defends timing of Raducanu match
Standfirst18-year-old Emma Raducanu retired from her fourth round match after experiencing breathing problems.
Wimbledon organisers have defended the scheduling of Emma Raducanu’s match against Ajla Tomljanovic.
The fourth round match was placed last on Monday’s schedule and was delayed further until 8pm by a five set men’s match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev.
The scheduling broke with convention, with all the other women’s fourth round matches played earlier in the day ahead of the women’s quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Wimbledon organisers sent their best wishes to Raducanu, who retired from the match after experiencing breathing issues.
She did not return to the match after an off-court a medical time out when down 6-4 3-0.
The All England Club said: “We were very sad to see Emma forced to withdraw from her match last night and wish her all the best with her recovery.
“She should be commended for the poise and maturity she has shown throughout the Wimbledon fortnight and we very much look forward to welcoming her back to Wimbledon next year and in the years to come.”
Emma Raducanu made history by becoming the youngest British woman to make the fourth round at Wimbledon in the Open Era. Source: Associated Press
A complex operation
The AELTC added: “In respect of scheduling, as always, the scheduling of the order of play each day at the Championships is a complex operation and, although we take great care when scheduling matches and allocating courts on a daily basis, it is not an exact science.
“All decisions are made with fairness and the best interests of the tournament, players, spectators and our worldwide broadcast audience at heart, but the unpredictable nature of the length of matches and the British weather can and will cause disruption to any schedule.”
Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong said: “No one enjoyed watching that. It was really a disappointment for everyone.
“It was hard to see that coming but we have to remind ourselves she’s 18, she’s here on her debut, she has had very little experience at tour level. What she’s achieved has been outstanding.
“It was a big moment and she was aware of it. I know she prepared for that match in the same way she prepared for her previous matches. It’s just unfortunate the way things panned out. She will find herself in similar situations again and she’ll be stronger for it.”
Breakthrough moment
Emma Raducanu had enjoyed a successful first week at Wimbledon, winning her third round match against world number 45 Sorana Cirstea in straight sets.
The 18-year-old is still waiting for her A-level results. Prior to the Championships at Wimbledon, she had only played one match on the professional tour.
Many people, including stars like Liam Gallagher, took to social media to express their support for the rising player.
In an interview after her third round match she said: “Who would have thought, it is funny because at the start when I was packing to come into the bubble, my parents were like, ‘Aren’t you packing too many sets of match kit?'”
After entering Wimbledon as a wild card and 336th in the world, her success will propel her much higher into the rankings.
