Emma Raducanu produced a remarkable comeback on Wednesday to advance at the Transylvania Open.
Raducanu – who recently suffered an early Australian Open exit – fought from 0-5 in the first set to defeat Kaja Juvan 7-6, 6-1; securing a quarter-final match against Maja Chwalińska.
Raducanu, who recently parted ways with coach Francisco Roig, has the opportunity to win her first WTA Tour event since capturing her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open.
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Ahead of her victory against Juvan, Raducanu was asked to name her dream mixed doubles partner from any generation of tennis history.
The British number one did not waste her breath, quickly naming a member of the ‘Big Three.’
Emma Raducanu’s dream doubles partner
In a fan question and answer video posted by the Transylvania Open on X, Raducanu was asked to pick her ‘dream mixed doubles partner from any era.’
Raducanu issued a brief response, saying: “Probably Roger Federer.”
Raducanu’s response is perhaps unsurprising when considering the immense popularity of Roger Federer. The Swiss legend is the most popular figure in tennis history; an individual who stunned spectators with his graceful play and respectful attitude on and off the court.
Federer, a winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, retired from his playing career in 2022 following a final doubles match at the Laver Cup.
Federer remains a popular figure in retirement, and he recently played an exhibition tiebreak against Casper Ruud at the Australian Open.
Remarkably, 44-year-old Federer defeated the world number 12 7-2.
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Raducanu was also asked: “If you could play an exhibition match with any tennis legend, who would it be?”
The Brit replied: “I would want to play with Billie Jean King. That would be a really cool experience, and she is still such an inspiration and has achieved so much.
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“But also, [she is] so knowledgeable and I love any opportunity I can to speak to her.”
Billie Jean King is the most influential figure in tennis history. The American star contested the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match against Bobby Riggs and was the driving force behind the fight for equal prize money in tennis.
King also founded the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973 at the Gloucester Hotel in London.
