Emma Raducanu has shared pictures of herself with friends as she looks to play at Wimbledon this summer.
The 21-year-old recently confirmed she wouldn't be playing at the French Open, saying: “It’s important for me to keep laying on the foundations and I will use the time to do a healthy block before the grass and subsequent hard court seasons to give myself a chance to keep fit for the rest of the year."
Given Raducanu's injury record in recent years, that's seen as a wise move.
She doesn't want to overload herself and will feel she's got a better chance of shining on the London grass than on the Parisian clay.
And Raducanu has now posted pictures of herself with friends on social media as she enjoys some time off.
The Briton enjoyed a barbeque and shared an image of a cute dog.
Fans have commented on the post, with many flooding the tennis star with messages of support.
"Keep fighting Emma!" were the words of one user.
A second said: "Omg I can’t wait for you to play tennis."
A third said: "Lovely, enjoy your life Emma. Don't stop enjoying the moment."
And a fourth said: "Love to see you happy and smiling."
Raducanu is set to play in Nottingham on June 10, with that WTA tournament taking place a day after the French Open closes.
She is entered in Birmingham the following week but requires a wildcard in order for her involvement to be officially confirmed.
And Raducanu could yet play in Eastbourne the week before Wimbledon, which will get started on July 1.
Meanwhile, tennis players of yesteryear have backed Raducanu's decision to skip this year's French Open.
Tim Henman, speaking to the Daily Mail, said he approved of the decision by saying: If she wants to move her focus onto the grass already and continue to work on her fitness that’s her prerogative.
"Sometimes we can read a bit too much into these things. She played some great clay court tennis at the Billie Jean King Cup and in Stuttgart but having said that I think grass will suit her game even more."
And Laura Robson said: "I wasn’t particularly surprised (by Raducanu’s withdrawal).
"Once she didn’t get a wildcard I think it’s an easy decision to give yourself the best possible preparation for the grass-court season.
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Emma Raducanu has shared snaps of herself with friends after choosing to skip the French Open
"She’s now got an option to play a Challenger event in the second week of Paris and hopefully play every week from then on and get as many matches as possible.
"She has to be really careful because her body is still getting used to playing week after week.
"So to play in Paris and then rush on to a different surface… Grass can be tough on the legs, you’ve got to be sharp and an extra week of practice can make a big difference.
"It seems like a sensible decision to me."
In order to play at Wimbledon, Raducanu is hoping for a wildcard.
Emma Raducanu missed Wimbledon last year but is hoping to play at the prestigious competition this summer
PA
But she's expected to get one due to her huge reputation in the sport.
Having won the US Open in 2021, that also boosts her chances of competing for the Venus Rosewater Dish.
