Raducanu ‘hungry to get better’ after record-breaking US Open triumph

After reaching the last 16 of Wimbledon and winning the US Open in her first two Grand Slams, Emma Raducanu is now targeting more success

Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open © Imago / Panoramic

Tennis Majors

September 16, 2021

Emma Raducanu still has the hunger to continue improving following her record-breaking US Open triumph and is targeting a possible return to action at Indian Wells.

The 18-year-old became the first qualifier, male or female, in history to win a Grand Slam when defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in Saturday’s final at Flushing Meadows.

Raducanu, ranked 150th in the world before beginning her three-week long tournament, did not drop a single set across her 10 matches.

That victory in New York capped a life-changing couple of months for Raducanu, who also reached the round of16 at Wimbledon in her only other Grand Slam appearance before withdrawing due to medical reasons.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy after her match on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Tennis Majors

After spending a few days away from the court and taking in some of the sights the Big Apple has to offer, the Brit is ready to start preparing for her next tournament.

“I have a few days’ rest and recovery,” Raducanu, who became the first British female to win a major tournament since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon 44 years ago, told CNBC’s Closing Bell programme.

“I think it was needed after the last seven weeks but then I am straight back to training and hungry to get better and come back out and play some more tournaments.”

Emma Raducanu made history at Flushing Meadows

Raducanu was originally due to take part in qualifying for the Chicago Fall Tennis Classic later this month, but she may instead wait for next month’s delayed BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where a wildcard entry is likely.

“After the US Open I wanted to give myself this week to completely switch off from tennis because it’s been an extremely intense but rewarding seven weeks,” she told the WTA’s official website.

“But I’ve worked very hard to finish on such a high with the US Open, a whole week off was needed.

“I know I’ll get back to work probably Monday or early next week to get back to training again. Schedule-wise, I’m not sure. Maybe Indian Wells, I don’t know. I’m going back to London before my next tournament for sure.”