Emma Raducanu is eyeing a return to glory as she prepares for this year’s US Open, reflecting on her historic 2021 Grand Slam win that made her the first player to triumph after coming through qualifying. The 21-year-old Brit, currently ranked 71, faced a challenging first round at last year’s tournament and has battled injuries since, undergoing surgery on both wrists and an ankle.
Despite limited match play this year, following just three matches since reaching the fourth round in Wimbledon, Raducanu is confident in her unique approach to competition, stating, “I mix and match. I don’t think I will ever be the player who’s close to 30 events a year.” She emphasizes quality over quantity in her tournament appearances and looks forward to targeting events she feels prepared for.
Raducanu opted out of the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her recovery and training, a decision she stands by, noting, “I think it was the smartest decision and I don’t really regret it.” She adds that witnessing the Olympics ignited her passion but prioritizing her health comes first.
Looking ahead, Raducanu believes the current British tennis scene is thriving, with more players stepping up to compete at high levels. She stated, “Tennis is unforgiving… but I think the Brits are doing well right now. We’re all pushing each other.”
As she gears up for her opening match against 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, Raducanu met a young fan during practice, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with the next generation of tennis players. Their interaction underscored her approachable nature as she expressed joy in connecting with younger fans.
With anticipation building for the US Open, Raducanu’s journey serves as an inspiration as she aims to reclaim her position among the sport’s elite.
