Emma Raducanu has opened up about her first full debut season on tour, in an in-depth interview with Grazia magazine.
Emma has had a mixed-bag of a year.
On the one hand, she is a novice on tour who has managed to put together impressive runs to the third round of big Masters 1000 tournaments - namely, at Madrid and Cincinnati. At 19 years of age (Emma turned 20 this November), her first full season on tour has included wins over Azarenka, Serena Williams, Caroline Garcia, and Sloane Stephens. Raducanu has made the semi-finals of a 250 event, and reached the second round at three of the four Grand Slams.
This, for any normal teenager on her debut WTA season, is a very commendable year. However, for the former US Open champion, many have viewed her follow-up season as a disappointment.
I do not agree. At least, not with regards to results.
What has been a shame are the number of injuries Raducanu has sustained throughout the year. Again, this is perhaps to be expected as her body adjusts to the rigours of a full year on tour, but the frequency and variety of these injuries have become somewhat concerning.
But what does Raducanu herself make of this strange post-US Open year?
Emma says, "I’ve never gone out. I’ve never done any normal teenage things. Between training and the travel, (the lifestyle) takes some getting used to, but I like to be on my own and it’s always about the bigger picture. In my career, I’ve done pretty well compared to most teenagers. Hopefully, I’ll be playing throughout my twenties and into my thirties – I’m looking forward to putting in a good shift".
It appears Raducanu is healthily aware of the fact that the lofty and unrealistic expectations of her at this stage in her career should not discourage her or take away from what has been - albeit largely unrecognised - a solid first full season on tour.
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