This year’s iteration of the WTA Queen’s event has been full of action, but sadly hampered by regular delays.
Frustratingly, the weather is something the organisers simply cannot control, and therefore these enforced breaks have completely thrown the tournament off schedule.
Yesterday saw stars like Katie Boulter and Elena Rybakina play twice in one day, and Emma Raducanu was due to do the same before time simply ran out.
She did, however, manage to secure one win, scoring an exceptional victory over Sorana Cirstea to reach the quarter-finals.
Speaking afterwards, the 23-year-old offered some insight into the unique struggles that dealing with a rain delay presents.
Emma Raducanu discusses ‘difficult’ rain delay wait
Raducanu began by admitting: “Yeah, it was really difficult yesterday.”
She then explained why: “I mean, I think I did six warm-ups. Also, with eating, you don’t know what to eat. I was having, I think I chucked down four flapjacks instead of proper food, so my stomach was definitely feeling it (smiling).
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“Yeah, the crowd that stuck it out, sat in the rain under their umbrellas, their dedication, it was incredible to see. So at the end when they cancelled us officially, I really felt so bad. I just want to say thank you for sticking around. Glad that I could perform today.”
At the time of speaking to reporters, she was due to play a second match later that day, although the time never came to fit that in.
Speaking about the possibility of doubling up on matches, Raducanu admitted: “Yeah, I mean, it’s obviously not something I’ve done too often, play two matches in the same day. Especially playing on such a big arena, it’s emotional.
“I think just try and recover, do as best as possible, refuel, and try and give my best to get back out there, but I’m incredibly proud of the performance I just gave.”
As it seemed less and less likely that she would be playing, Raducanu instead turned spectator, and was present to watch Boulter’s hugely impressive win over Rybakina.
Emma Raducanu will play two matches in one day today
Whilst yesterday it was not possible to ft Raducanu’s second match into the schedule, today should be different.
If she is to beat lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova in her quarter-final match, which will be the opening fixture on Andy Murray Arena, then she will return later in the day to face Iva Jovic in the semi-finals.
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Finally back in the win column!
The American teenager scored one of the biggest wins of her career yesterday, beating Amanda Anisimova in a topsy-turvy three-set clash.
However, she will be far fresher than Raducanu, having had ample time to recover. The Brit will hope she can dispatch Rakhimova as quickly as possible to get her day on track and give herself the best possible chance of reaching the Queen’s final.
