Emma Raducanu says she is ‘being independent’ after win over Sloane Stephens
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Emma Raducanu is committed to doing things her own way after explaining why she chose not to compete in the French Open or Paris Olympics. This decision came after she defeated Sloane Stephens in an impressive victory at Eastbourne.
The former top-ranked British player announced on Monday that she has rediscovered her passion for tennis after facing challenges with injuries and performance since her unexpected victory at the US Open in 2021.
Raducanu made a great impression in her first appearance at Devonshire Park, hitting a series of impressive winners to win 6-4 6-0 against a tough opponent who had previously won at Flushing Meadows.
The 21-year-old player couldn't participate in the grass-court season last year because of surgeries on their wrist and ankle. They made a bold statement before Wimbledon by writing "my own pace" on a TV camera.
"I will do things at my own pace," stated Raducanu, who was given a wildcard entry to compete at the upcoming tournament at the All England Club.
"I'm taking my time with everything I do, focusing on activities that bring me enjoyment and are just for me."
When it comes to planning tournaments or balancing training and competing, I prioritize staying focused on my own path and less influenced by external opinions or perspectives.
I really love this, I am taking care of myself and embracing my independence.
There was a time when I was competing in too many tournaments, and as a result, I kept getting small injuries one after another.
After deciding not to compete in Roland Garros, Raducanu continued her success from the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open with a win that she considered one of the highlights of her grass-court career.
The player ranked 168 in the world was joined by British player Katie Boulter in the second round of the Rothesay International. Their next opponent will be American second seed Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu confesses that she used to feel the need to participate in every competition after winning a grand slam title at the young age of 18.
"It's quite common to feel like a completely different person overnight due to the situations we face, especially at a young age," she stated.
"It was hard not to get drawn into it, and I found myself constantly entering tournaments. As a result, I kept getting minor injuries in each one because I didn't give myself enough time to properly train."
"I have significantly improved in that area this year."
Despite potential challenges or questioning regarding my decision not to participate in certain tournaments, such as the French Open or the Olympics, I see it as a necessary aspect of staying true to myself and prioritizing my well-being over others' expectations. I choose to move at my own pace and make decisions based on what feels right for me, rather than succumbing to external pressures or opinions.
Boulter, who beat Raducanu on her way to winning the Nottingham Open again this month, defeated Petra Martic 6-1 7-6 (8) to advance to the last 16 where she will face 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
British underdog Yuriko Miyazaki suffered a resounding defeat of 6-1 6-2 at the hands of Belgium's Elise Mertens.
