Emma Raducanu says she prefers to “mix and match” and will not play 30 tournaments in a year. The Briton is looking back on her 2021 win and hoping to draw inspiration from this year’s US Open.
After becoming the first player to win a Grand Slam tournament in 2021, Raducanu made her first appearance at the US Open, but lost in the first round to Alize Cornet the following year.
The Englishman missed the second half of last year after undergoing surgery on his wrist and ankle.
The 21-year-old has played just three matches since reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon in July and the quarterfinals of the Washington Open earlier that month.
While questions have been raised about Raducanu's lack of form, she believes her preparations for the final Grand Slam of the season are going exactly as she wanted them to.
Raducanu, ranked 71st, did not compete in the Olympics to prepare for the U.S. hard-court swing, but instead trained in England, skipping the qualifying tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.
“I didn't play in Toronto because it was such a tight turnaround. But I wanted to do it. I have a Canadian passport, but I had to fly on Saturday and play on Sunday, and it would have been such a tight turnaround. I've always done things a little bit differently,” she said at a news conference ahead of her opening match against 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin on Tuesday. Live on Sky Sports Tennis.
“I mix and match. I don't think I'll ever be able to compete in 30 events a year. I don't think that's my style. I never have.
“Even when I was playing junior, I went to some tournaments and all the slams and went to school and I've always done it that way.
“When I won the U.S. Open, I only played a few tournaments that year. I'm not in a rush to play a lot of tournaments. I'd rather target the tournaments and prepare for the ones I play.”
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In this episode of Sky Sports Editions, we meet Emma Raducanu, a passionate lover of the arts who refuses to be boxed in. Some of the footage provided is courtesy of IMG.
She admits she will compete more often this year, but says she won't compete in every tournament.
“I'll probably play more next year, but not as much,” she said. “I won't play everything, but I'll probably play a few more tournaments than I did this year.”
I have no regrets about missing the Paris Olympics.
Raducanu said he had fond memories of Usain Bolt's 100m victory at the London Olympics but had no regrets about missing out on the Paris Games this summer.
Raducanu stands by her decision not to compete in the Paris Olympics, saying there is “no need to chase it anymore” and noting that recovery and rehabilitation are far more important to her career at the moment.
She said: “When I see everyone gathered for the opening ceremony, it's something I really want to be a part of. When I was a kid watching the Olympics, I only remember the opening ceremony and Usain Bolt winning the 100m. Those are the two things I remember as a kid. I think I missed that part, but it was the smartest decision and I have no regrets.
“I come here and I walk past my picture every day, I walk past my name on the trophy every day and I feel so proud. It's such a great achievement and I've done it in two weeks. So now I come back here with a completely different perspective and joy and pride. And it inspires me to do more.”
Tennis is unforgiving
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A reflection on Sir Andy Murray's career – his determination, greatest achievements and the legacy he left behind – from stars like Navratilova, Henman, Draper, Raducanu and more. Watch the full documentary on Sky Sports
The US Open is the first Grand Slam since the Andy Murray era, with Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, Jack Draper, Dan Evans and Jan Choinski all flying the British flag in New York.
“Tennis is an unforgiving sport,” Raducanu said. “There's always another match, there's always another tournament. Andy has done an incredible, incredible job, and to see him win this tournament.
“Andy did an amazing job and I watched him win this tournament. But it happens so fast, life is like that. But the next day it's all over again.
“I think the British are doing well at the moment. We all push each other, we're all competitive. When I see other players doing well, it makes me want to do the same. This year there are a lot more players going into the qualifying rounds, which is really cool, because when I came three years ago there were very few players.
“I feel like I have a lot more opportunities to do well now.”
Raducanu met her biggest fans at Flushing Meadows on Friday (Courtesy of @emmaraducanu on Instagram)
Raducanu finished his practice by hitting a young girl who asked fans on social media to find him.
The seven-year-old fan shouted out that Raducanu was his favourite player and the British fan apologised for having to rush out after training, but the pair finally got their chance to meet on Friday.
“I saw her in my practice room and I really liked her, and we became a little bit close after that,” Raducanu said.
“I asked her down on the court and we hit a few balls. Her name is Remi. She's really good!
“She hardly ever misses a ball. She has a lot of courage to go out on the court and hit the ball in front of so many people. It was great to meet her and talk to her. I feel good and happy to be able to communicate with her.”
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