Emma ratanu has been criticized in the buildup to the US Open Tim Henman has backed Emma raducanu after her controversial decision to skip two buildup tournaments for the US Open after a harrowing three years following her very own fairy tale of New York in September 2021 the British number two has shown signs of being rejuvenated this season and is back up to number 67 in the world rankings but she's proved a divisive figure with fans of late denying Andy Murray a fair well match at Wimbledon after withdrawing from the mixed doubles to focus on her singles campaign and since arriving at Flushing Meadows she's been criticized for labeling Murray old news after being asked if it was strange not to have the British icon around on the circuit the 21-year-old has come under further fire for choosing not to play in qualifiers in Toronto or Cincinnati she was then denied a wild card into either event leaving her short of match practice for the final grand slam of the year that followed her opting to miss the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer in order to prioritize her Fitness she instead chose to compete in events in America which she later labeled 100% the right option and Henman has defended the star who has had to manage her workload since returning to the Circuit after undergoing wrist and Ankle surgeries last year I think it's a little more frustrating if you don't get into those tournaments but give her another 3 to 6 months she'll will be a direct entry into those biggest and best events he told Sky Sports