Frozen yoghurt and relaxation the right recipe for Raducanu
Emma Raducanu’s form is back – and so is her preferred post-victory snack: a pot of frozen yoghurt.
Raducanu’s run to September’s US Open title was based on a “hermit-like existence”, according to her biographer Mike Dickson. “The only concession to altering the hotel-courts-practice-play cycle through the fortnight was the odd walk down to Times Square to buy frozen yoghurt.”
Now Raducanu plays Caroline Garcia in the second round of Wimbledon, having disposed of dangerous Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck on Monday. And the celebration routine has not changed.
“I haven’t been able to go out because we’ve been finishing late,” said Raducanu, who will face the French world No55 on Centre Court this afternoon. “But I’ve already scouted out the area [where she is staying] and there’s a frozen yoghurt spot so I’m sure I will be hitting that. It’s my favourite treat because I can convince myself it’s healthy, but it depends what toppings you put on.”
As Raducanu returns to the spotlight, her off-court habits remain unchanged. “I’m trying to keep it relaxed,” she said. “It is nice that it’s
not a bubble this year and we can go out and do normal things.”
For the match against Van Uytvanck – which she won 6-4, 6-4 – Raducanu welcomed her mother Renee into her player box for the first time. And sitting alongside Renee was childhood mentor Jane O’donoghue.
“Jane isn’t really my coach,” said Raducanu. “She has been around my whole career. She’s been part of my family almost. It definitely helps in big moments.”
O’donoghue was back on the practice court yesterday with Raducanu, preparing for today’s meeting. Garcia – who lost to Raducanu in three sets in Indian Wells this year – has a big and powerful game, but she swings from the hip on almost every shot and can generate a high tally of unforced errors.
We have never quite seen Frenchwoman Garcia, 28, deliver on the promise that she showed as a teenager, when Andy Murray predicted that she would be a world No1.
Asked about Raducanu on Monday, Garcia, a titlist in Bad Homburg last week, replied: “It has all happened in 12 months. From a player who was 350th to a worldwide phenomenon. Good luck to her.
“Her personality, her play is very attractive to everyone. I have just got to concentrate on the tennis. And how I can find a way and a solution to beat her.”