Emma Raducanu explains why she pulled out of Kremlin Cup just hours before cut-off

Emma Raducanu has shown ‘ruthless streak’ says commentator

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Emma Raducanu has released a statement on her decision to pull out of the Kremlin Cup next week. Raducanu had made her long-awaited return to action at Indian Wells last week following her stunning victory at the US Open.

There was plenty of anticipation on what the British teen sensation would achieve at the BNP Paribas Open.

Having risen to No 22 in the world rankings, Raducanu entered Indian Wells as a favourite to go deep in the competition.

But she struggled in her opening match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, losing in straight sets.

Raducanu played down her exit at the time, stating she wasn’t “putting any pressure” on herself.

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The 18-year-old was set to return to action at the Kremlin Cup next week, but she’s now pulled out just hours before the cut-off mark.

“Unfortunately I’ve had to make a tournament schedule change and won’t be able to play Moscow this year but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year,” she said in a statement.

“I look forward to returning to the Tour in the next couple of weeks.”

Her withdrawal is set to disappoint fans in Russia though as there had been plenty of excitement on social media on her supposed arrival.

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It means Raducanu has had to change around her schedule for the end of the season with her next event set to be the Transylvania Open in Romanie on October 25.

That will be followed by a weeks’ rest before the Linz Open at the start of November.

Her withdrawal from the Kremlin Cup may also put in jeopardy her chance of qualifying for the end-of-year WTA Finals.

She currently sits 15th in the Race to Mexico with the top eight qualified to take part.

Ashleigh Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, Barbora Krejcikova and Karolina Pliskova have already qualified for the main event.

But Barty may not compete as she’s currently out injured, while Naomi Osaka – currently ranked eighth – may also miss out.

Ons Jabeur is set for a huge jump in the rankings after reaching the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

Raducanu may miss out this year, but could be in contention next year when the WTA Finals return to China if she continues her meteoric rise.

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