‘That’s enough slices!’ – WTA riffs on unusual Emma Raducanu play
Emma Raducanu put on an unconventional display of slicing in her second round match against Danka Kovinic, with the WTA and many others on social media taking note.
After racing out of the blocks to lead 3-0 in the opening set, the US Open champion required attention for blisters on her right hand.
She proceeded to lose six of the next seven games as her Montenegrin opponent claimed the opening set 6-4.
In order to quell the pain and prevent more blistering, Raducanu then adopted a rare sight in the modern game, the forehand slice.
The tactic wrong-footed Kovinic as she levelled the match 6-4 in the second.
The unusual sight drew the attention of many online, including the WTA who responded with this popular TikTok.
before @EmmaRaducanu rips a topspin forehand winner with blisters 🍕pic.twitter.com/kJnuWueAM1
— wta (@WTA) January 20, 2022
While her unorthodox adjustments worked well to push the match to a decider, Raducanu ultimately fell to Kovinic 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Had she won, the Brit would likely have faced her idol Simona Halep.
This occasion is the third opportunity that Raducanu has narrowly missed to face the Romanian, the previous two coming at Indian Wells and the Transylvania Open last season.
In both instances, Raducanu came within one match of taking on the two-time Major champion.
Instead, it is Kovinic who will probably face Halep, who faces Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia for a spot in the third round.
The Montenegrin is into the third round of a Slam for the first time on her 18th attempt.
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