Emma Raducanu has cast doubt over playing for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup in April and is ready to make a drastic change to her schedule.
Raducanu lost in the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday in what was just her second tournament in nine months after a long spell on the sidelines.
The British star, who stunned the tennis world with Grand Slam glory at the US Open three years ago, may now down drop down a level from the WTA Tour as she looks to build momentum before Indian Wells gets underway in March.
‘I would love to compete before Indian Wells,’ the 21-year-old said. ‘Obviously, it depends on ranking and the wildcard situation. That’s not my decision.
‘Of course, I’d love to play in the Middle East. But it’s not my call and it is whether they would have me or not.
‘So I’m waiting to hear on that. But my intention is definitely to compete beforehand.
‘And I really believe that the level in these ‘lower-level tournaments’ is really not that big. Because you gain so many skills, you’re playing in these conditions, the wind.
‘Here was a prime example. My opponent [Wang Yafan] played a lot of ITF and got a lot of matches under her belt, but the level really isn’t that different.
‘I would play whatever suits my schedule, whatever suits the plan.’
Great Britain are due to face France on April 12-13 at the Billie Jean King Cup but Raducanu has hinted that she may not participate.
She added: ‘I always love representing my country but, that being said, because of the amount of niggles and the rehab process, I think whatever suits my schedule and my fitness the best is going to have to take priority, especially this year.
‘For example, if there’s a change in surface straightaway, too close in succession, I think I’d have to evaluate what I do.
‘The most sensible thing for me is staying healthy. That’s the priority for the year. I can’t say either way [if I will play].’
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