Emma Raducanu says she is fortunate to have been able to cross paths with Serena Williams after dropping just four games against the tennis great at the Western and Southern Open on Tuesday.
Raducanu, who is the current US Open champion, eased her way to a 6-4, 6-0, win over the former world No.1 who recently announced that she will be ‘evolving’ away from the sport in the coming weeks. The Brit hit a total of 14 winners against just one unforced error and converted five out of her nine break point opportunities in what was the first Tour meeting between the two. She is the first player to bagel Williams since compatriot Johanna Konta did so at the 2018 San Jose Open.
“I think that a big part of the match was definitely the mental side, to not be intimidated by all her achievements,” Raducanu said during her press conference.
“That was what I was focusing the most on, just like being really, really present and thinking of my game, thinking of what I needed to do.’
“Physically I think that I held up pretty well. Like there were some longer exchanges and I held up well and I scrapped. I made her work. Sometimes I won the point when it mattered.”
The triumph brings Williams’ career at the Western and Southern Open to an end. She is a two-time champion of the tournament after winning back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. She was also runner-up in 2012. In total, she has played in the tournament nine times over 14 years.
“Watching her growing up, it was an amazing experience to just play her. I think from the beginning to the end, I maybe looked calm, but I just knew how important every single point was because you let up a little bit and she’s going to be all over you.” Raducanu said in tribute to the American.
“Playing Serena and managing to win, I’m really proud of myself, and it does give me confidence.
“I think that at this level when you play anyone it’s a really difficult match. Each of those wins kind of builds confidence regardless of the level you’re playing, every single win counts. But of course, this one more so, because you’re playing like the greatest.” She added.
Raducanu’s triumph occurs during what is a roller-coaster season for the world No.13 who has been hampered by various physical issues. Since lifting the US Open title, she has won 14 out of 31 matches played with ten of those victories occurring in 2022. She is yet to defeat a top 20 player this year.
The next test for the 19-year-old will be Victoria Azarenka who defeated Kaia Kanepi in her first round match. Like Williams, the Belarussian is another player who has inspired Raducanu.
“She is a great champion. I remember more recently when she was playing in the US Open and made the final in 2020 during the bubble. I was studying for my exams. I hadn’t played tennis in like two, or three months, and I was kind of just dreaming that one day I’m going to play on Ashe, and one day I’m going to be at that level and play these great players myself. Everything felt so far away.” Raducanu recounted.
“Last year I have had great exposure to these great players, and every time you get to play them, you get to learn from them as well and what they do really well that has helped them in their careers.”
As for other players, she would like to face on the Tour, Raducanu has one in mind. That is two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep who the rising star describes as ‘the most complete player.’ Like Halep, Raducanu also has Romanian roots with her father coming from that country.
“I would love to play Simona, just because I think she is like, for me, all around the most complete player.” She said.
“She moves extremely well. She’s aggressive. She can defend. She makes you work so hard for every point. I think just to be able to feel that would be great.”
The only way Raducanu can play Halep in Cincinnati this week would be if both players reach the final.
