Emma Raducanu reflects on Auckland comeback and declares there is ‘a lot more to come’

Ewan West 04 Jan 2024 4:18 PM

Emma Raducanu plays a shot in Auckland

Emma Raducanu expressed her excitement for the year ahead after an encouraging performance in a three-set defeat to Elina Svitolina in the second match of her 2024 comeback.

The 21-year-old was disappointed to lose given the level she produced for two sets but did not regret going for her shots in the crucial second set tiebreak.

World No 25 Svitolina fought back from a set down to defeat Raducanu 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-1 in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland on Thursday.

Raducanu delivered a strong showing in the first two sets and was close to victory when she led 3-1 in the second set tiebreak, before losing six straight points.

The former world No 10 defeated Elena Gabriela Ruse in a three-set battle in the opening round in her first match in over eight months. The Brit had surgery on both her wrists and her ankle last year.

Following her battle with the 29-year-old Ukrainian, Raducanu was able to take plenty of positives from the defeat and her return to action this week.

“I think I can take away that my level was pretty high for two sets, two long sets which lasted like two hours and 15 minutes. I’m pretty proud of how quickly I was able to get my level up to be able to compete with Elina,” she said.

“I think that she gives you nothing. You really have to win the match and win the sets and I think I did that really well in the first set and then in the second set I had a few chances in the breaker. I did the exact same, I went for my shots, which got me the first set, but I just missed them, so that was it.

“I know it’s the start of a very long season for me and I’m looking forward to reflecting on the year and having this as a starting point. Of course it does [give me confidence].

“With the limited time I’ve had in comparison to her, and in the gym, she’s been around a long time and achieved so much and I think she’s known on tour as one of the physically best players out there and end of second set and third set, I don’t think I really saw a second serve, so she really raised it when it mattered.

“But it for sure gives me a lot of confidence and looking forward to – in time with more matches, more practice, more gym sessions – seeing where I can go from there.”

The 2021 US Open champion was enthusiastic as she looked ahead to the season in front of her and was pleased with the attacking intent she played with.

“It’s of course pretty exciting for me. I’ve only played two matches and also my court time has been pretty limited. I’ve been training the last few months at the LTA, but I had a few setbacks with my wrists and ankles. So to be back up to speed after so little is a great sign,” Raducanu added.

“Of course I’m disappointed about today because I was a few points away and had a few forehands mid-court, but at least I took them. I think I’d regret it more if I just pushed it in and let her hit a winner, so at least it was on my terms.

“I’m looking forward to this season, it’s just the beginning. It’s week one – a lot more to come.”