British Women: Lily Miyazaki, a British tennis player, disagrees that criticism of British women who failed to advance to the French Open main draw for the first time since 2008 was “harsh” since everyone has “high expectations” of oneself.
Miyazaki failed to qualify for Roland Garros, joining Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Fran Jones, Heather Watson, and Katie Swan. As a result, no British woman has qualified for the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament since the US Open in 2009.
It also marks the first time there haven’t been any British women in the top 100 in 15 years, with Emma Raducanu dropping out of the top 100 after being sidelined with ankle and wrist ailments.
Dan Evans has expressed harsh criticism, claiming that Raducanu’s triumph at the US Open “papered over the cracks” in British tennis.
Japanese-born Miyazaki, who has participated regularly in British tournaments since she was 11 years old, is optimistic that other players will soon break into the top 100.
“I see a change. Many of the girls are very nearly within the top 100, and I believe we can make significant progress during this grass-court season,” said the 27-year-old.
“British tennis is doing well. Everyone is on the same level; all we need to do is work together on the match court, and I believe we can continue.”
“I don’t think the criticism of us was harsh,” she continued. We all have high standards for ourselves, in my opinion. I believe all of the ladies are at a level where they can compete in the Grand Slam main draws.
“Clay is probably not our preferred surface, but we do have levels, and a strong showing from a few players at Wimbledon would put that to rest,” said the player.
Defending British tennis, Katie Boulter said, “we’re in a very good place” in response to criticism of the sport.
Boulter, who attained her highest singles rating of No. 82 in the world, expressed her love for the direction the women’s game is taking.
“As you witnessed today, we are moving in the right path and are in a great spot,” the 26-year-old remarked.
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