Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu says facing Aryna Sabalenka next isn’t unlucky: ‘You want to play the best’ | Tennis News
Emma Raducanu admits that she will have to “be creative” against Aryna Sabalenka, but first wants to savor “one of her best” performances in Wimbledon.
British No. 1 presented a serene exhibition to see the Wimbledon 2023 Champion Marketa Vondrousova in two sets in the second round on Wednesday.
Raducanu’s reward may be the most difficult female tennis request right now: a meeting with the world number one in Sabalenka in the third round Friday.
The 22 -year -old woman rejected the idea that she was unlucky with her draw, stressing that she will have to beat the best if she wants to enjoy a deep race with her big slam.
“I think it was one of the best games I have played for a long time, which I am very proud of,” said Raducanu. “At the same time, I didn’t have the impression of doing anything scandalous, which gives me a lot of confidence. I think I was doing very well the basics.
Raducanu presented a supreme screen to beat the former champion of Wimbledon Vondrousova 6-3 6-3
“Having won against Marketa, she is also a very big opponent, which gives me confidence at my level. Of course, Aryna is number one in the world, has been so dominant in the female game that in recent years, I know that it will be a massive challenge.
“You can’t really give it” bullets “. I’m going to have to be aggressive but choose my moments. I don’t think I’m going to go there and surpass it, like size and power. I think I will have to try and be creative too.
“As for what it is unlucky, you want to play the best. You will have to play them at some point if you want to win one of these tournaments. Even if it’s early in the tournament, I look forward to the opportunity.
“For the rest of the evening, I will enjoy this one because I think it was really special.”
Raducanu had declared on the court that there was “no pressure” against the triple champion of the Grand Salm Sabalenka, but added in her press conference: “I do not think that an athlete is really there and does not expect anything from themselves.
“I have my own expectations of what I want to try to do on my side. In terms of result, I don’t really do it. Especially today, I just want to take it because I know how ephemeral these moments are. It is also a very big, a great honor and a testimony of the work that I have done in recent months with my team too and the people I have around me to have this result.”
Raducanu: Petchey helped give me the direction
Raducanu coach Mark Petchey (L) has helped Raducanu since he joined his team
Raducanu says that his confidence was reinforced after a difficult start of the year by making coach Mark Petchey in his corner.
“I think I had much more clarity with what I was trying to do today. I think I am also more confident in my own game,” she said.
“I think it was a really difficult patch for me at the start of the season when I didn’t have a coach. I was very weak with confidence. As a player, I guess you are going through the dip in the season when you miss a little.
“I supported myself much more compared to the earliest in the year. I think that having management in recent months has built more consistency and has really helped.”
Raducanu also explained how special it was to have his friends in the players’ box who encourage him.
“I think there is something special to be here in Wimbledon. I really feel like I am at home. It’s amazing,” she added.
“I was there [taking selfies] With my friends. It’s so rad. I have them all here in one place. They were my rock through everything. They are the people closest to me outside my family.
“It’s so special. They are in the box there. When I look at them, it just gives me an additional boost of motivation.”
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