Emma Raducanu recently shared that she faced a 20-minute wait to have her rackets restrung during her match against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday night. In response, Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 1, pointed out that this situation was a rookie mistake on Raducanu’s part.
Sabalenka emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “It’s crucial to have extra rackets on hand. Even if they’re not in your personal bag, your team should always be ready.” She further explained her own strategy: “My team always carries two extra rackets with higher tension and two with lower tension. This way, you don’t have to wait for equipment when you need it most.”
Reflecting on her own past experience at the French Open, where she lost in the semifinals to Karolína Muchová due to not having the right rackets, Sabalenka shared, “I wasn’t prepared and had to play with a racket that didn’t suit my needs. I struggled to control the ball and didn’t feel comfortable.”
Since then, she has learned from that experience, ensuring her team packs four extra rackets for every tournament. “You never know how you’ll feel on any given day,” she added. “One day you might wake up feeling great with a particular tension, and the next day it could be completely different. So, being prepared is key.”
In the world of professional tennis, preparation can make all the difference. Whether it’s having the right equipment or adjusting to personal needs, athletes like Raducanu and Sabalenka understand that success often hinges on readiness.
