Emma Raducanu The most trust in our open opportunities since 2021 SLAM Win

Emma Raducanu said she will return to New York, will feel calmer and more confident about herself and her prospects at the US open than she won the title there four years ago. She put together a brilliant version against Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Cincinnati on Monday and lost after three hours and nine minutes after three hours and nine minutes with 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5).

Her impressive level was a reflection of the considerable progress she made in a positive summer on the North -American hard courts.

“This is my first year on tour to play most of the calendar,” she said. “I had a difficult start to the year and it was very difficult to change that. But in recent months I have increased and the level has increased. The players I play and that I lose, they are all top players, so that gives me confidence.”

That trust means an important contrast with the inconsistent presence of Raducanu on tour last year due to injuries and training blocks that are planned during the season. The 22-year-old did not compete for four weeks in the run-up to the US Open last year, where she lost against Sofia Kenin in the first round.

“I went home and came back and it was a very difficult time in New York,” she said. “Since I won the tournament, it has not been easy there. But this year I feel different, I am much quieter behind the court.

“On the field I take more confidence in the big moments. I have played those big points quite well, so I look forward to having some time to practice, improve and then prepare myself to play there.”

Since he became the first player to win a Grand Slam title of the qualifying tournament at the US Open, Raducanu has not won a match in New York. Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa have withdrawn from the tournament with injury, which means that Raducanu’s live ranking of No 34 would be sufficient for sowing. But countless players could still catch up with the Cincinnati open. Anyway, her positive progress and form mean that few players would like to face her early in New York.

Sabalenka has emphasized that she believes that Raducanu is on the right track to return to the top 10: “Every tournament I have the feeling that she is improving and getting better, and she will definitely go back in the top 10,” she said. “She’s going well, she’s a smart player. She serves well, although you can sometimes see where she is going. But the speed, the spider is very difficult to adjust. She actually does everything [well]. “

Raducanu is the following to compete in the US Open Mixed Doubles next to Carlos Alcaraz next Tuesday and Wednesday during the qualifying week in New York. The US Open starts a week on Sunday.