"Really proud of myself" - Raducanu following win over Serena Williams

Wednesday, 17 August 2022 at 11:30

Updated at Monday, 27 January 2025 at 19:03

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byErik Virostko

Emma Raducanu defeated Serena Williams in the first round of the 2022 Cincinnati Masters, and she was very happy about being the legend.

It was the first meeting of the current WTA World No. 13 player and the 23-time Grand Slam champion. Although Wiliams enjoyed plenty of success on the hard courts throughout her career, it was Raducanu who handled this match better.

The British player won the match 6-4, 6-0, becoming one of the very few players to bagel Serena Williams. After the match, she didn't hide her excitement about beating the legend, saying she focused on never letting up during the match.

"I think from the beginning to the end, I maybe looked calm, but I just knew how important every single point was, because you let up a little bit and she's going to be all over you. She's just such a legend."

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"I think we all need to just honor Serena and her amazing career. I'm so grateful for the experience of being able to play her and for our careers to cross over. Everything that she's achieved is so inspirational and it was a true honor to share the court with her."

Raducanu didn't want to take anything away from Williams. She wanted the crowd in Cincinnati to recognize the legend, who will soon retire from the sport.

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"I think it's important to really cherish the wins, because I think that if anything, this year has taught me that the wins don't come by easily. No matter what win that is, it means a lot to any athlete, and I definitely am going to take it in, be really proud of myself."

"But it is a fast turnover tomorrow, and I probably have got 12 hours until I'm back on site. I'm playing another Slam champion tomorrow, so it's obviously going to be really difficult. Just going to try to prepare as best as possible."

While Raducanu will try to reach her best form ahead of the fourth Grand Slam of the season, Williams will prepare for her farewell in front of the crowd in the Flushing Meadows.