‘I thrive on adrenaline’ – Emma Raducanu on the ‘privilege’ of pressure
Emma Raducanu has declared she is ready for the pressure of playing as a Slam champion ahead of her first full WTA season in 2022.
The 19-year-old Brit made her first appearance at home since her US Open triumph at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of the Champions Tennis event held there.
Raducanu played an exhibition match against friend and fellow WTA pro Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania.
She defeated Ruse 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in front of a packed crowd before taking to her press conference for media questions.
When asked about having a target on her back as a recent Major champion entering 2022, she had this to say.
“I’m not sure about other peoples’ opinions of me. It’s going to happen.
“Pressure is a privilege. I quite like it. I think I thrive [on] the adrenaline.
“For me, I don’t think about other peoples’ opinions or expectations,” Raducanu continued.
“The only [expectations] I have are [my own], to improve and get better.”
On that note, Raducanu further expressed her joy at being able to play in front of British crowds despite the pressure that comes with it.
When asked about whether she was relieved her return home after the US Open came in an exhibition rather than the pressure of the grass court season, particularly Wimbledon, the teen explained:
“It was really nice to play at home, I really enjoyed it and found it fun. I played at home this year at Wimbledon and again I had incredible support.
“So, for me it’s just about the joy when I go out there, seeing everyone. And when they’re cheering it’s just a really nice environment to play [in].”
Raducanu has one more exhibition event in 2021 at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi on 16th December.
There she will play Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic before preparing for the start of the 2022 season.
Image credit: Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall, the ATP Champions Tour finals, on November 28th, 2021 in London, England. For more information please visit Champions Tennis on Twitter @ChampionsTennis and on Instagram @champions_tennis
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