Emma Raducanu hopes to prepare well for defending her US Open title by playing events beforehand and recalling her positive memories from last year's run at Flushing Meadows.
Almost a year has passed since Raducanu's incredible triumph in New York. She won the US Open as a qualifier without dropping a set, becoming one of the most unexpected Grand Slam winners ever.
The only downside to that memorable success was that many in the British media placed unrealistic expectations on her shoulders. She is still just 19 years old, meaning some difficult moments were inevitable.
Raducanu has struggled throughout most of 2022. Her latest setback was a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to Caroline Garcia on Centre Court at her home Grand Slam at Wimbledon. The teenager was outclassed by the Frenchwoman.
The Briton now focuses on preparing well for the US Open by playing in other tournaments during the North American hardcourt season. Raducanu intends to start her time in North America in Washington.
“I want to start my preparations on the hard courts. I think that Washington would be a great place to do that. Last year I played a lot of matches leading up…I just wanted to give myself a chance really."
Asked about returning to New York, Raducanu admitted she is looking forward to it after all the great memories from last year. The defending US Open champion also explained that her main goal is to embrace every moment she experiences because it's all part of the learning process.
“Going back to New York, it's going to be cool because I have got a lot of experiences playing on big courts, playing with people in the stadium, playing with the spotlight on you. I don't mind that. I mean, for me, everything is learning. I'm embracing every single moment that is thrown at me.”
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