Hungry Emma to forego turkey

By

EMMA RADUCANU is ready to do without her Christmas turkey as she focuses on the Australian Open title.

The British teenager stunned the world at the US Open two weeks ago when she became the first qualifier in the open era to win a Grand Slam – and she aims to build on that by winning in Melbourne in January.

But those who take part in Melbourne face having to cancel their Christmas at home – to stay in a hotel room Down Under.

Qualifying for the tournament is expected to begin over the holiday period and end on Christmas Eve. Players in the main draw will also fly to Melbourne over the festive period and then be expected to stay in a quarantine bubble ahead of build-up tournaments.

Raducanu (below), who on Friday ditched coach Andrew Richardson, said: “I wasn’t aware – but whatever needs to be done to be able to play the Australian Open, then I’ll do it.”

Raducanu, 18, has not yet decided where she will play next. She could

be given a wild card for Indian Wells next month, and is entered for the Kremlin Cup in Moscow which starts on October 10.

Amazingly, Raducanu, despite her exploits in New York and at Wimbledon, is yet to beat a player in the WTA top 10.

She said: “I’m hungry. I like to challenge myself. It’s going to be extremely difficult to beat a top-10 player but I’m up for it.

“Even if I lose it would be a great learning experience.”

As for possibly being ranked as one of the favourites for Melbourne, she added: “After one tournament, you can’t really say I’m a favourite. I’m still so new to everything. “