Heather Watson has admitted that she cannot understand why Emma Raducanu decided to refuse the opportunity to represent Team GB at the Olympics. Raducanu could have featured in Paris after being offered a wildcard but declined in a bid to prioritise her ‘body and health’.

The 21-year-old, who has struggled with injuries since winning the US Open in 2021, skipped the French Open earlier this year before showing a return to form at Wimbledon. It was reported at the time that she did not want to switch to clay courts before moving back to grass.

Quizzed on Raducanu’s decision to snub the Games, Watson explained that she could not understand why anybody would pass up the opportunity to compete on the biggest sporting stage of all.

“I can’t really comprehend it, personally because the Olympics is the greatest sporting event in history,” she said. “So why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? Anyone in general who chooses not to, I can’t relate.”

Watson, who is about to become the first female British tennis player to compete in four Olympics, added that she discussed the topic with fellow Team GB athlete Katie Boulter and concluded that it should be every player’s dream to represent their country at the Games.

“It was the biggest goal of mine these last 12 months, to make the Olympics again,” she continued. “I have so much pride to be back here and be part of this team. Within tennis, the Olympics isn’t looked at the same by all players, but I just can’t relate to or understand it.

“Katie Boulter and I were having this conversation in our room the other day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I did everything I could to make sure I was here again, so I am very happy to be here and definitely embracing the whole experience. I can’t wait to get out on the court.”

Boulter was then asked for her thoughts on Raducanu’s decision to reject her Olympics wildcard and said: “Each to their own. We are all unique in terms of where we hold the Olympics in our priorities. For me, it is the top of the top.

“I understand her decision completely with her surgeries and the change of surface. It is definitely not easy for the body. She has represented our country many times before with great pride and I’m sure she is going to do that many more.”