Rankings boost for Emma Raducanu despite disappointing defeat in Romania

Kevin Palmer
November 1, 2021

Emma Raducanu may have been disappointed to bow out of the Transylvania Open at the quarter-final stage last week, but the British teenager has still received a rankings boost.

The US Open champion has risen two places to a new career-high of 21 after picking up her first two wins on the WTA Tour in Romania last week, with her defeat against Marta Kostyuk denying her a chance to break into the top 20 for the first time.

That breakthrough moment may well come when Raducanu plays her final tournament of 2021 in Austria latter this month, with her projected ranking for next week already up to No.20 as some of her rivals lose points from their total.

Raducanu’s rise is certain to continue has no points to defend for the next few months, with her first major breakthrough coming when she reached the last 16 at Wimbledon last July.

That gives Raducanu a glorious chance to make further leaps in the WTA rankings, with points she collects at the Australian Open in January certain to add to her status as the rising star of the women’s game.

“It’s been a lot of learning and I have experienced a lot with no gaps,” said Raducanu after her defeat against Kostyuk last week.

“I’m just adapting to the fast-paced life of the tour and still very new to it. It’s still going to take me some time to adjust.”

Meanwhile, tennis legend Boris Becker has given his advice to Raducanu, after he experienced a similar rise to stardom after winning Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 1985.

“I have had some experience there, so I can fully understand Raducanu’s stomach-ache,” said Becker.

“For me, this is the next step that she needs to achieve consistency in her performance.

“In May she graduated from high school, the US Open was her second Grand Slam tournament, then she became the winner – that is an incredible achievement.

“She is looking for a new coach, she is dealing with a lot of expectations, so we all to say give her time and she will find her way.”

Emma Raducanu