Emma Raducanu furious at the Rothesay Open: "Insane officiating!"

Return to grass

The 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu returned to a grass court for the first time in nearly two years, defeating Ena Shibahara in the opening round of the Rothesay Open.

Officiating standards

Her 6-1, 6-4 victory over the Japanese qualifier was followed by a sharp attack on the officiating standards.

Calls against her

The Rothesay Open doesn't have hawk-eye technology at the tournament, and Raducanu felt many tight calls went against her in the match.

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"It was insane"

According to The Guardian, Raducanu said: "I feel like I was playing two v one on court – it was insane. I would have used at least four challenges [if we'd had them]."

"They were all against me"

"I think a lot of the time they go both ways. Today I felt they were all against me, but it just makes me feel better that I managed to beat her and the umpire as well. It is difficult when there is no challenge, but it is something everyone has to deal with."

Voicing her frustration

The former world number 10's anger peaked when the umpire overturned a call from the line judge after Shibahara's backhand volley in the third game. Having already complained at two calls, Raducanu voiced her frustrations with the umpire.

Next opponent

The Mirror reports the 21-year-old was unhappy with a 'really bad' call in the ninth game of the second set that she eventually won 6-4. Her next opponent is Daria Snigur of Ukraine in the round of 16.

No to full electronic officiating

Despite her frustrations with the officiating, the Grand Slam champion dismissed the call from British teammate Harriet Dart for all electronic officiating at all tournaments.

"Add to the drama"

Speaking after the match, Raducanu said: "I think there is a beauty in having all the linesmen, and it does add to the drama for the spectators. For us, it can be the most frustrating thing ever."

Can she return to winning ways?

According to the ATP rankings, Raducanu is ranked 279th in the world after some severe injury problems. Can she return to winning Grand Slams in the future?

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