Wimbledon 2024 news: Wildcard Emma Raducanu’s love for tennis ‘rekindled’
Emma Raducanu says her love for tennis has been ‘rekindled’ - and admits all British players ‘push ourselves more’ during the grass-court season.
Raducanu has been in the spotlight since winning the US Open in 2021, and will be gracing the famous grass of Wimbledon having been granted a wild card by tournament organisers.
The 21-year-old has failed to match the heights she scaled as a qualifier at Flushing Meadows, with injuries constantly hampering her career since securing that incredible victory.
Raducanu missed all of the 2023 grass-court season as she had operations on her wrists and an ankle - and she opted to skip playing on clay at the French Open this year.
But she is fired up about playing in front of the Centre Court crowd at SW19, and said in an interview with Sky Sports: “I have a big joy for playing in the UK, I missed it last year, obviously, and it's nice - you kind of forget the feeling.
"I think you would push your body further to play over this period of time.
"I think all of us (British players) really live for it, we come alive, we put our clay shoes in the bin pretty early and then get on the grass.
“We do push ourselves more for this and understand the implications that may or may not come with it."
On her form and how she feels about tennis, she added: "I'm just really into it at the moment. I just love the sport, I love tennis.
"It's taken over me and I've really rekindled a light in the fire inside of me.
"I'm really grateful to have this feeling again because it's something that I feel I've been missing in a way for the last few years and I haven't felt this good about my tennis - just excited about it and passionate - for a long, long time.
"Now it's really comforting for me because I'm way less focused on the result because I know with the way I'm training, the way I'm competing and fighting on the court, good things are 100 per cent going to happen.
“I have full faith and belief in that now and I can say it and mean it at the same time, rather than just saying it."
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Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at Raducanu’s career so far, with plenty more to come.
Early Life and Junior Career
Birth: Emma Raducanu was born on November 13, 2002, in Toronto, Canada, to a Romanian father and a Chinese mother. Her family moved to England when she was two years old.
Early Tennis: Raducanu began playing tennis at the tender age of five, showcasing remarkable talent and dedication. She excelled both academically and athletically, attending Newstead Wood School in London.
Junior Career: Her junior career was marked by notable success, achieving a career-high junior ranking of No. 20 and reaching the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon junior tournament in 2018.
Professional Career
Transition to Professional Tennis: Raducanu embarked on her professional journey in 2018 on the ITF Women's Circuit. She won her first ITF title at just 15, displaying immense promise and skill.
Wimbledon 2021: Raducanu made her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon in 2021 as a wildcard entry, advancing to the fourth round and captivating audiences with her grace and prowess.
Historic Triumph at the 2021 US Open
Unprecedented Victory: Raducanu's ascent to international stardom was solidified at the 2021 US Open, where she entered as a qualifier ranked 150th in the world.
She achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first qualifier in tennis history to win a Grand Slam title, triumphing without dropping a single set and defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final.
Global Impact: Her extraordinary victory at the US Open garnered global acclaim, securing her place as a luminary in the world of sports and attracting numerous endorsements.
Post-US Open Journey
Meteoric Rise: Following her US Open victory, Raducanu's ranking soared, making her the British No. 1 and placing her within the top 20 in the WTA rankings.
Subsequent Performances: Despite facing challenges in maintaining consistent performance post-US Open, Raducanu continued to demonstrate her exceptional talent in various tournaments throughout 2022, while also contending with injuries and the pressures of newfound fame.
Coaching Dynamics: Her quest for the ideal mentorship led to several coaching changes, reflecting her dedication to finding the right guidance for her career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Aggressive Baseline Play: Raducanu is celebrated for her aggressive baseline play, powerful groundstrokes, and exceptional court movement.
Mental Fortitude: Her composure and mental toughness, particularly during her US Open run, are widely admired.
Versatility: She possesses a versatile game, capable of adapting to different surfaces and opponents with remarkable skill.
Honors and Recognition
BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021: Raducanu was honored with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2021.
Endorsements and Partnerships: Her US Open success led to prestigious endorsements with high-profile brands such as Nike, Wilson, Tiffany & Co., and British Airways.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Injuries and Consistency: Like many young athletes, Raducanu has faced challenges with injuries and maintaining consistency. However, her prodigious talent and early success herald a promising future.
Anticipated Legacy: With her remarkable abilities and unwavering determination, Raducanu is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of tennis.
Her journey forward, marked by careful management of expectations and physical health, promises to be a testament to her enduring legacy.
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