British sensation reveals fight with nerves
EMMA Raducanu revealed she had to overcome some early nerves before breezing past Shelby Rogers in the United States Open last 16.
The British sensation dismantled her American opponent 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals in New York, only the third player in the tournament is history to do so having come through qualifying.
And while it may have looked comfortable, Raducanu suggested it may have been nerves that were responsible for her getting broken in the first game of the match, and thanked the crowd for their support even though she was facing an American.
“I feel so happy to have come through and overcome the nerves at the beginning,” she said on court afterwards.
“Shelby has done really well here so I knew it was going to be a tough match.
“For all of my matches here in New York I have received wonderful support, you have made me feel really welcome so I am really grateful.”
One of those in attendance was 1977 Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade, and Raducanu paid tribute to her as it was revealed Wade was watching on.
“Thank you so much for watching my match,” the 18-year-old said to Wade.
“I really appreciate it, you are an absolute legend so I am really honoured to have you here. I will just do my best and see how it goes.”
Up next, in the last eight, for Raducanu is Belinda Bencic, the Olympic champion.
Bencic was impressive herself earlier in the day to beat Iga Swiatek 7-6, 6-3 and like Raducanu is yet to drop a set in New York this tournament.
The Brit knows she will be severely tested.
“Belinda’s a great player, so I am going to have to bring it,” Raducanu said.
“I am not thinking about tennis right now, I will leave that for tomorrow! I am gonna try and do my best each round and I'll see how far it goes.” —