Emma Raducanu has outlined her plans moving forward after her US Open title defence ended before it really truly began. The British number one was ousted from the tournament by France's Alize Cornet, who is no stranger to a grand slam win over a top player, by the score of 6-3, 6-3.
It has been a difficult year for the Brit, who has failed to even make the semi-finals of a tournament since her New York triumph last year. In addition to several injuries and the constant upheaval of her coaching staff, the teen has endured a rough first full season on the WTA Tour.
The Bromley local’s ranking will take a massive hit following her latest defeat and could potentially drop outside of the world's top 80. Post-match, a forlorn-looking Raducanu revealed she will likely focus on WTA 250 tournaments - the lowest ranked tour events - for the remainder of the season. "For me, the most exciting thing is trying to do well at each of the different tournaments," she said.
"It sounds weird, but [although] it would have been great to defend the title, I kind of want new experiences. In a way I've kind of done that [won the US Open]. So, like, I want another tournament. It doesn't really matter what it is. I think any player would be happy to win a tournament.
"I think it makes a massive difference no matter what the level is. Yeah, I think I'll play some 250s [the lowest level of WTA events]. I think the rest of the year is that. We'll see what the calendar holds." She added that getting more minutes on the court under her belt will be the priority going forward in order to regroup and get back to winning ways.
Raducanu said: "Just putting consistent weeks together. If I look at how much tennis I played this year, or training I've done, it's very, very minimal. We actually counted the days. From Rome to a bit after Wimbledon, I only played tennis for 14 days in two months and a half. It was pretty wild.
“But, as I said, six weeks of training [in the USA], already feel like I'm so much better as a player. I definitely feel like I am growing in confidence.” Despite the disappointing loss, Raducanu tried to remain upbeat and claimed she was now starting on a “clean slate” as she bids to work her way back up the rankings. "Obviously it’s really disappointing, I’m really sad to leave here. It’s probably my favourite tournament,” she said. “But also in a way I’m happy because it’s a clean slate. I’m going to drop down the rankings. Climb my way back up. The target will be off my back slightly.
“I’ve been doing some really good work in the last six weeks especially. I’m just looking forward to putting more of those weeks together consistently, then we’ll see what happens. With perspective, actually as a 19-year-old, I’ve had not a bad year. To be top 100, if you told me that a year ago, I’d take it.”
Her compatriot Hariet Dart fell in straight sets to Dalma Gálfi after claiming the biggest win of her career over Daria Kasatkina in round one. Dan Evans made to the second round at Flushing Meadows with a straight sets win over Jiri Vesely, while 2012 US Open winner Andy Murray booked his spot in the third round against Matteo Berrettini after defeating Emilio Nava 5-7 6-3 6-1 6-0 earlier today.
