Emma Raducanu opts out of wildcard pick to focus on Wimbledon preparations

Emma Raducanu has opted out of taking a wild card into Eastbourne after pulling out of the Nottingham Open this week.The British No1 has chosen to use her time practising on the Wimbledon courts, following her run to the final at Queen's.The decision is understood to have been influenced by Raducanu's coach, Andrew Richardson, according to the BBC.Katie Boulter will also not feature at Eastbourne, opting to play in Germany at Bad Homburg. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Raducanu lost in the final of Queen's to Donna Vekic 6-0, 7-6 (8-6), as the pair put on a thrilling contest in west London.Her run to the final, which saw Raducanu win two games in one day, came with its perks for Wimbledon.The 23-year-old soared through the rankings and is now the world number 31.Raducanu's new ranking means she will now enter Wimbledon in a seeded position, with a more favourable draw likely to fall her way.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup day nine: The United States ahead against Australia, Scotland to play laterPremier League fixtures in full as Coventry and Hull handed tough starts to new seasonJack Draper confirms return to tennis as Andy Murray prepares to be in Briton's cornerThe same goes for Vekic, who is now the world number 32, with the rest of the draw pleased not to have the two tough opponents in an unseeded position.Raducanu was humble in defeat to Vekic, recognising the incredible run she had been on to reach the final.She said: It's been an incredible week for me, making the final here, playing in my home city, in my home tournament.The support I have received all week has been incredible, but I really want to take this opportunity to thank everyone.Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish.So thanks for getting me through some tough moments this week and also for helping me push back in that second set.Addressing Vekic, Raducanu said: What a week for you, from qualifying all the way to the title. You played really well so all the best.Vekic responded with kind words of her own to Raducanu, saying: Wow, first of all, congrats Emma on such a great week. You are such an incredible player, and I wish you and your team all of the best for the remainder of the grass season.Growing up and watching the tour, I was always jealous of the boys having a chance to play at this amazing club.I am very grateful that since last year we have had the opportunity to play here as well.Thank you to everyone who made this happen. We really enjoy it.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter