Emma Raducanu ‘happy to have target off her back’ with US Open exit

Emma Raducanu has mixed emotions after falling in the first round of the US Open in contrast to the joyous run she had in 2021.  

The defending champion had a tough draw against experienced world number 40 Alizé Cornet, and the Frenchwoman defeated her 6-3, 6-3 to inflict a first US Open loss for the young Brit.

In the year since her 2021 triumph, Raducanu amassed a win-loss record of 15-18, and had a moment to reflect on her journey in that time after the loss to Cornet.

“Obviously it’s really disappointing, really sad to leave here,” Raducanu admitted in her post-match press conference. “It’s probably my favourite tournament. 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.

“I mean, the target will be off my back slightly. I just have another chance to claw my way back up there. I’ve been doing some really good work in the last six weeks especially. I’m just looking forward to kind of putting more of those weeks together consistently, then we’ll see what happens.”

Raducanu has now dropped to 80th in the live WTA rankings, and will even lose her spot as British number one should world number 88 Harriet Dart defeat Dalma Galfi to reach the third round.

However, Raducanu is still a teenager at just 19 years old, one of only six players under 20 inside the women’s top 100. And the 2021 champion recognises that aspect of her position.

“With perspective, actually as a 19-year-old, I’ve had not a bad year,” she continued. “To be top 100, if you told me that a year ago, I’d take it.”

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