‘The stars aligned’ declares Emma Raducanu conqueror on Slam record
Alizé Cornet was delighted to seal a WTA record 63 consecutive Slam appearances on a US Open show court against such a star as Emma Raducanu.
The 32-year-old, who recently celebrated her 500th tour level victory at the Cleveland Ladies Open, defeated the defending champion 6-3, 6-3 in Louis Armstrong Stadium under the lights of the night session.
Now, Cornet, who has played every Major main draw since the 2007 Australian Open, can look forward to a second round encounter with Katerina Siniakova as she takes Raducanu’s seeded spot in the draw.
“Well, it’s amazing for me to celebrate this record by winning on Armstrong in the night session against the defending champ,” Cornet gushed after her US Open win. “I mean, it’s like the stars are aligned, you know?
“It’s such a special moment for me. I was already very happy to break this record, have my 500 wins last week in Cleveland. But I was ready. I was ready for tonight. This year I’m kind of the upset girl, I pull off an upset at every Slam.”
63 grand chelems d’affilée plus tard… et toujours là ✌️😃!
Un record est un record 😜
À demain soir 19h pour fêter ça 💪63 consecutive grand slam later… still here ✌️😃!
A record is a record 😜 and I see you tomorrow at 7pm to start this special campaign 🥳#USOpen2022 pic.twitter.com/LjxlDxD3EK
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) August 29, 2022
Cornet has declared 2022 to be her final full season on tour, and it is her best ever at Slam level. She reached a first Major quarter-final at the Australian Open, and has defeated Slam champions Simona Halep, Jelena Ostapenko, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu across the four events.
Moreover, her win over Swiatek at Wimbledon was the one that ended the world number one’s 37-match winning streak that stretched back to February this year.
“I was like, Okay, I did it on the three previous Grand Slams, so why not this one?” Cornet added. “The atmosphere was great. I know people were rooting for Emma a lot, but I was really trying to put on a show and take them with me.
“It kind of worked at the end. I just hope they’re going to be behind me for the second round.”
“I’m sorry guys, I know you really like Emma!” 🥹
Alize Cornet reflects on her first round #USOpen victory over 2021 champion Emma Raducanu. pic.twitter.com/BuEVHhfBCW
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) August 31, 2022
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