GIVING IT MY BEST SWOT
Homework is helping Emma to shine
EMMA RADUCANU spent months studying for her maths and economics A Levels but spent last night poring over the homework she finds far more enjoyable.
Britain’s latest tennis sensation, who is taking New York by storm after gatecrashing Wimbledon, admits she loves studying the strengths and weaknesses of her rivals, with Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo the latest to go under Raducanu’s microscope.
Eighteen-year-old Raducanu is the talk of Flushing Meadows, having come through three qualifiers and two main draw rounds without dropping a set.
Today she’ll face her toughest test to date against world No.41 Sorribes Tormo, who beat Wimbledon champion Ash Barty at the Tokyo Olympics and is also enjoying a fine run of form.
The English ace is completely unfazed, however, and after spending almost 20 minutes signing autographs and taking selfies with anyone who asked for one after her last win over Zang Shuai, she just can’t wait to get going again.
First, though, there’s that homework. “I think everyone has strengths in their game and one of mine is being mentally quite sharp,” she said. “My preparation is key in my game and one of my biggest weapons. It has definitely helped me and I’ll be working out a plan with my team.
“At this level, no one really has a weakness. You can’t go for one side expecting a mistake.
“But there’s always some loopholes you can find, and some discomforts, so that is something I try to expose and what the homework hopefully highlights. It doesn’t always and sometimes you just have to go out there and strike the ball.”
She has done that and then some this week. And Raducanu is determined to ensure she can at least match that run to the fourth round at Wimbledon which rocketed her onto the world stage.
“With each match you grow in confidence,” she added. “I’ve had five matches here so I feel comfortable with the conditions and the courts. I’m going for my shots more.
“I’ve come a very long way since my first qualifying match but also since the first tournament of this trip five weeks ago. Playing at tour level for so many weeks in a row definitely builds your confidence and I have been fortunate enough to win quite a few matches.
“I don’t think there was any pressure at Wimbledon. All of the support I was getting was helping more than anything. I don’t feel I was burdened at all.
“So I don’t think it’s easier to play here than Wimbledon. Playing in front of a home crowd at Wimbledon is the pinnacle but I absolutely love it here. The crowds here have made me feel at home and so welcome. I’m really grateful.”
She proved that by giving so much back to the fans after the last match but Raducanu shrugged it off, saying: “It has taken me by surprise but I’m so grateful for everyone who is cheering for me.
“I really want to connect with the fans because they are doing so much for me, getting me through really tight moments.
“Signing autographs and taking photos is absolutely nothing compared to what they’re doing. Connecting with them, I have so much fun. Especially with the younger kid – they are so cute and I hope they get a little bit inspired.”
Preparation is key in my game and one of my biggest weapons. It has helped me EMMA RADUCANU ON HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL