Heather Watson admitted she “can’t relate” to Emma Raducanu’s decision to skip the Olympics as she prepares to set a record by becoming the first female British tennis player to compete in four Olympics.

Raducanu could have featured in Paris as one of the wildcard picks. The 21-year-old refused the offer, stating she was “prioritising my body and my health”. The impact of the switch from the grass season to Roland Garros, which has clay courts, was apparently uppermost in her thoughts. Raducanu also missed the French Open before returning to form at Wimbledon.

Asked if she understood Raducanu’s position, Watson replied: “I can’t really comprehend it, personally, because the Olympics is the greatest sporting event in history. So why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? Anyone in general who chooses not to [participate], I can’t relate.”

Watson added that she had “not read” any detail relating to her compatriot’s decision. The 32-year-old competed for Team GB in the Olympics of 2012, 2016 and 2020, with a return clearly a longtime aspiration.

“It was the biggest goal of mine these last 12 months to make the Olympics,” she said. “I have so much pride to be here. Within tennis, the Olympics isn’t looked at the same by all players but I just can’t understand. Katie Boulter and I were having this conversation in our room, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Boulter, the British No 1, was more circumspect on Raducanu’s stance. “Each to their own,” Boulter said. “We are all unique in terms of where we hold the Olympics. For me, it is the top of the top. I understand her decision completely with her surgeries and the change of surface. She has represented our country many times with great pride and I’m sure she is going to do that many more.”