US Open 2022 : Emma Raducanu downplays injury concerns

Raducanu rose through the ranks exponentially at Flushing Meadows last year, setting a record as the first qualifier to clinch a Grand Slam victory. Her New York win was unexpected as the British number one dispatched Leylah Fernandez in last year’s summit clash.

The Brit secured a breakthrough success after plucking 10 consecutive wins without losing a single set. Unfortunately, her chances of defending the title seem to have decreased after her recent clash against Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The match had to be stopped as Raducanu was experiencing pain in her right hand. She was consoled by coach Dmitry Tursunov and sent off for treatment before she reentered the court to complete the match.

She revealed that these inconveniences don't scare her. She sustained a few blisters and other small injuries, as stated by the 19-year-old. Furthermore, she said her experience was equivalent to "one of those weird days where you just feel a bit out of it."

Raducanu has been a persistent victim of problems with blisters this season, but the teenager seems relaxed. The 11th seed, slated to open her US Open campaign on Tuesday against French player Alize Cornet, disclosed that she is free of additional pressure as reigning champion.

She entertained how her fans might be investing more thought into rankings than the sportswoman herself. She further remarked how the media could be feeding unnecessary importance to the idea of defending a title.

As of now, Raducanu wants to take one match at a time. She is aware of the potential characterising every single player in the draw. Her goal is to focus on her own trajectory and be in tune with herself.

Raducanu's slow descent on WTA rankings 

Raducanu has recorded a considerable dip in her performance this season, suffering several injuries and scripting 13 wins and 15 defeats in 2022.

Although the 19-year-old is not entering the tournament with increased expectations ahead of the US Open, she expressed immense joy in returning to the spot where she had her greatest victory.

Raducanu raved about the amazing memories she has in New York. After completing a year on tour, she is glad to be back after competing in a long list of tournaments that comprised the 2022 tennis calendar year.

Although she couldn't bag any tournament victories after her remarkable US Open run, the 19-year-old recorded notable victories over Serena Williams and world number seven Jessica Pegula.

Raducanu, currently the 10th player in the world has a hefty number of points to defend in the US Open this year so she might experience a big rankings drop if she bows out early at Flushing Meadows.

Follow all of today's Tennis matches on our Live Match Centre