Undeterred Emma Raducanu believes there is a silver lining to her third round exit from the Madrid Open on Wednesday in what was only her second WTA event on the clay.
The world No.11 was knocked out of the draw by Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina who prevailed 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, after more than two hours of play. Raducanu came into the match with just four WTA wins on the surface so far in her young career. On top of that, the 19-year-old admitted that she was also dealing with some physical issues during her time in the Spanish capital. Playing Kalinina, she took a medical time out in the first set and another during the decider.
Putting her latest encounter into context, Raducanu admits that she gave herself only a ‘five per cent’ chance of winning against the world No.37 who didn’t break into the world’s top 50 until this season. Revealing that she had been experiencing some ‘niggles’ in recent weeks.
“I would have given myself a five per cent chance of winning that match, and for it to almost happen, I think that was a positive thing,” Raducanu said during her press conference.
“I was kind of struggling a bit with my back, to be honest. Throughout the week I have been carrying some niggles, and it’s kind of just taking its toll, all of the matches at this kind of level.
“I think that’s a good thing that I feel like I’m going through this and my body is building with each match I play.”
Despite the minor issues Raducanu still has her eyes set on playing at next week’s Italian Open in Rome. Another WTA 1000 event which is the last top tournament to take place before the French Open later this month. According to the ITF, she has never played a tournament of any sort in Italy.
“I’m not sure what I will do yet, whether I will go home yet or straight to Rome. The plan right now is to still go to Rome,” Raducanu said of her next plans.
“I’m not sure when I start. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. I hope it’s enough time because it would be a real shame to miss it.
“I’m feeling pretty positive. A lot of the time with me it’s just overload and then two or three days’ complete rest and I’m OK to start training again.”
Raducanu was mentored in Madrid by Iain Bates who currently serves as the head of women’s tennis for the LTA. Bates stepped in following the departure of Torben Beltz who left after what was only a short stint with the US Open champion. The search for a replacement is still ongoing with Riccardo Piatti, who previously worked with Jannik Sinner and various other top names, being one of the leading contenders.
Following her Madrid exit, the Brit now has a win-loss record of 6-7 this season on the WTA Tour. Raducanu is yet to win three consecutive matches since her historic triumph at the US Open where she became the first qualifier in history tio clinch the title.
Raducanu’s 2022 so far
January
- WTA Sydney: lost to Elena Rybakina 0-6, 1-6 in the first round
- Australian Open: defeated Sloane Stephens in three sets before losing in the second round to Danka Kovinic.
February
- Lost in the first round of the Guadalajara Open to Daria Saville (former world No.1 junior and top 20 player).
March
- At Indian Wells she received a first round bye and beat Carolina Garcia 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, in her opening match. In round three she lost to Petra Martin.
- Miami: Suffered a first round loss to Katerina Siniakova after failing to close out a 5-3 lead in the decider.
April
- Made her debut in the Billie Jean King Cup in Britain’s clash with the Czech Republic. She registered one win and one loss during the tie
- Stuttgart: in her first ever WTA event on clay Raducanu reached the quarter-finals before falling in straight sets to world No.1 Iga Swiatek.
May
- Madrid: scores back-to-back wins for a second tournament in a row before losing in the third round to Kalinina.
