Emma Raducanu suggests she is not really thinking too much about the fact that she is the defending US Open champion and that it is actually the press that is trying to force someone into thinking they need to defend a title or otherwise it’s a disappointment.
Raducanu, 19, is set to kick off her US Open title defence. 12 months have passed since Raducanu’s stunning US Open triumph and that remains her lone pro title. Raducanu is not really considered among top favorites for the US Open title but still she will be in centre of attention in New York.
“I think you guys are thinking probably more about pressure and ranking than me. I think defending a title is just something that the press makes up,” Raducanu said, via Sportskeeda.” I’m just taking it one match at a time.
Like, every single player is very capable in this draw. I just focus on what I’m doing, my own trajectory. As I said last year, I’m just going to do things my way.”
Raducanu dealing with a few niggles
Going into the US Open, Raducanu admits she is not 100% fit but adds it’s nothing concerning.
“I think that today, I mean, the practice, I had, like, a few small things. Got a couple blisters, a bit of a niggle here and there. It’s just one of those weird days where you feel a bit like nothing. I don’t know.
You just feel a bit out of it,” Raducanu said. “Can’t really explain myself. To be honest. I’m sure everyone in this room has probably had a day like that. Yeah, it is what it is.” Raducanu was handed a tricky first round matchup as she plays French veteran Alize Cornet.
At Wimbledon, Cornet stunned Iga Swiatek to end the Pole’s run of 37 consecutive wins. It remains to be seen if Raducanu can kick off his US Open campaign with a notable win over Cornet.
