"I want new experiences" - Raducanu looking ahead after early US Open loss

| by Zachary Wimer

Emma Raducanu was the defending champion at this year's US Open but she lost already in the first round to Alize Cornet.

Despite a painful loss, the 2021 US Open champion is not disappointed but wants to gain new experiences on the WTA Tour. After the tournament ends, Emma Raducanu will drop out of Top 75 of the WTA Rankings and so she will need to get used to playing smaller events, rather than being one of the top-seeded players as she was at the majority of the events she entered this year.

Emma Raducanu to drop out of Top 75 after disappointing US Open exit
Emma Raducanu to drop out of Top 75 after disappointing US Open exit

“Obviously it would have been great to defend the title,” said Raducanu. "But I want new experiences. In a way I’ve kind of done that, so I want another tournament. It doesn’t really matter what it is. I think any player would be happy to win a tournament.”

“We actually counted the days. From Rome to a bit after Wimbledon, I only played tennis for 14 days in two months and a half or something. It was pretty wild. Six weeks of training, already I feel like I’m so much better as a player. I definitely feel like I am growing in confidence."

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Last year, former world number 10 wasn't really used to losing when she had an incredible winning streak to lift the US Open trophy. However, this year taught her how to lose when she lost 16 out of 29 matches she played and that's something she sees as valuable experience that will push her forward.

“I think the most important thing for me is just consistency of these weeks, of training, of competing. You lose a match, you’re on the practice court two days later. In the past, I would get really, really down because I wasn’t used to losing,” Raducanu said. “I think this year has definitely helped in a way."

“I know I can’t really mourn over a loss. I kind of got better at just picking myself back up quicker and quicker. But this one obviously hurts a bit because it’s my favourite tournament and obviously a lot of emotions in the past year. I’m proud for putting myself out there every match, every day. I know I’m pushing myself to be the best I can,” concluded Raducanu.

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"She needs to be focused on the game" - Henin gives advice to Raducanu

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