Raducanu Says "Everyone Expected Me To Win Every Tournament" After US Open Triumph
WTA
It is close to a year since Emma Raducanu's stunning triumph at the US Open, and the teenager has opened up about the increased expectations she faced after her memorable run in New York.
Although Raducanu had a decent run to the fourth round of Wimbledon last year, no one predicted she would win the US Open. The Briton also had to come through qualifying to make the main draw, making her success even more improbable.
However, not only did Raducanu lift the US Open title, but she stormed to it without dropping a set. Her moment of glory was sealed by defeating fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez in the final.
After that, many sections of the British and international media acted like Raducanu was one of the favourites at every tournament she played, which was a very sudden shift for the 19-year-old to deal with.
These parts of the media seemed to forget how young Raducanu still is and that she was not one of the established top players before her historic US Open title. That meant some challenging moments in the future were inevitable.
Raducanu discussed this dynamic in a recent interview. She analyzed how expectations began after her run at Wimbledon and grew after the US Open, becoming unrealistic.
"I really like the thrill. I think we must always react and adapt. It all started with Wimbledon. I have never had such an experience, I let myself go to all the emotions like crazy. I brought that energy into training and then came the US Open. After winning the US Open, everyone expected me to win every tournament I would play. I think it's a bit unrealistic, because perfection doesn't exist."- Emma Raducanu
The Briton also mentioned how she is trying to put less pressure on herself and let go. Interestingly, Raducanu finds this easier to do in China, where her mother was born.
"I'm working on letting go. I'm giving up the idea of always having to be perfect and being afraid of making a bad impression in front of myself. I think that China is probably where I most disconnect from the world. I really like those moments of escape. Nothing matters anymore. You are just yourself, in that moment."
