Emma Raducanu has disclosed that she opted not to utilize an antiseptic spray for treating insect bites, fearing it might lead to a positive result in a drug screening prior to the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old British tennis sensation mentioned that her hand and ankle became inflamed, yet she chose to forgo the treatment to avoid any risk of contamination affecting a doping test.
Raducanu informed journalists during a pre-tournament press conference on Friday: “Many of us are likely quite cautious regarding what we intake and what products we apply.”
“For instance, just yesterday, I was severely bitten by some creature, maybe ants or mosquitoes. I believe I’m allergic.”
“The bites became quite swollen and inflamed.”
She continued: “Someone offered me a natural antiseptic spray to alleviate the bites.”
“I was hesitant to use it. I chose to manage without spraying it, and I was just left dealing with my swollen ankle and hand.”
“I thought I would just endure it, as I didn’t want to take any chances.”
“It’s undeniably a concern we all share. We’re all in a similar position.”
“I believe it’s essential to manage what we can control as effectively as possible. If something occurs beyond our control, proving it might be quite challenging.”
Raducanu during a practice session in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open. Pic: AP
‘I’m a formidable competitor for anyone’
Raducanu withdrew from her planned warm-up event in Auckland last week due to what she described as a minor back issue, but has been actively training at Melbourne Park this week.
She specified that the origin of her discomfort was a spasm experienced while training in London.
“One morning, while warming up, I bent down to tie my shoes, and I encountered a spasm. That was essentially it,” she explained.
“It took some time to resolve. I’ve dealt with these before, and they typically dissipate within a few days. However, this one persisted for a couple of weeks, which forced me to miss quite a bit of training before my departure and prevented me from competing in Auckland.”
When inquired about her condition ahead of the tournament in Melbourne, she stated: “I’ve been feeling well. Over the last ten days, I’ve managed a constructive training block.”
“Returning to the court and adjusting to the local conditions has been beneficial for me. Now, I feel good, and I am prepared to give my utmost effort here.”
She added: “I’ve been engaging in practice sets with top players and feel that I am holding my own quite well in those situations.”
“I’m feeling optimistic about my game. I am eager to showcase my skills on the match court. I genuinely believe I can be a formidable adversary for anyone.”
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Raducanu encounters a formidable beginning to her campaign – an opening round match on Monday against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“It’s an intricate draw, undoubtedly,” she commented.
“As an unseeded player, you might face any top contender. She is a competitor with considerable experience. I suppose I am approaching this with the underdog mindset. She has faced this scenario many more times than I have.”
The Grand Slam at Melbourne Park commences on Sunday, January 12.
