Emma Raducanu accepts wild-card for post US Open event in Slovenia

Emma Raducanu will try to breathe life into her faltering season at the Slovenia Open in Portoroz after an early exit at the US Open.

Raducanu entered the year's final Grand Slam as the defending champion after her stunning run to the title as an 18-year-old. She did not drop a set during one of the most unexpected Grand Slam wins ever.

Although it was unrealistic to expect Raducanu to immediately reach the top of the sport after that moment, the 19-year-old has struggled more than she would have hoped in 2022.

Raducanu hired former ATP player Dimitry Tursunov as her coach after Wimbledon. Tursunov had a highly successful period with Anett Kontaveit, including the Estonian finishing as the runner-up at last year's WTA Finals.

The Briton had to manage substantial pressure as the defending US Open champion. Some of the focus on her was lessened because the tournament was Serena Williams' final appearance before retiring, but there was pressure nonetheless.

Raducanu never looked comfortable during a straight-sets loss to Alize Cornet in New York. Because of the ranking points she was defending, the young star will significantly drop in the rankings after the US Open.

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However, no longer being the reigning US Open champion might be a weight off Raducanu's shoulders. Before the tournament, Judy Murray said an early exit at Flushing Meadows could be the making of her.

Raducanu's next tournament will be at the Slovenia Open after accepting a wild card for the event. It takes place the week after the US Open ends, showing how eager the teenager is to return to the court.

Although the loss at the year's final Grand Slam was disappointing, the overreaction by some in the media has been evident. Raducanu is still such a young player, with years ahead to improve her game and find consistency.

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