‘It feels like a huge win’ – Emma Raducanu secures career first WTA Tour victory
Emma Raducanu reflected on a ‘huge win’ after securing her first ever WTA tour victory against Polona Hercog at the Transylvania Open on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old Brit shocked the world with her remarkable and history-making triumph at the US Open in September, though came into her father’s homeland Romania still searching for her first WTA tour win.
After losing in straight sets at Indian Wells a fortnight ago, Raducanu was facing the prospect of back-to-back defeats after losing the first set to Hercog, though battled back in true champion style to prevail 6-4, 7-5, 6-1.
“It feels like a huge win, it is my first WTA Tour win which makes me very happy,” said the British star.
“It was difficult for me but I feel to win my first WTA match does mean a lot because I was on a losing streak, so I got my first one. I am really pleased to have come through that today.
“It definitely means a lot, it’s my first win, I knew that in my head so I was battling really hard to get on the board. To play in Romania, I had amazing support so they definitely helped me.
“It is a shame there aren’t fans here but I hope they were watching and I just wanted to do them proud.”
Following the contest, Raducanu said her ability to stay mentally focused helped her to come through a tough contest against the experienced Slovenian.
She added: “I think the key was to try and stay mentally composed, I knew myself I wasn’t playing very well so I just needed to keep going one point at a time.
“If I kept giving myself a chance by holding serve I thought my tennis might improve and fall into place and I did – and I am really proud of myself for how I fought today.
“I take a lot from this match. All of the matches I am playing I am gaining experience and I definitely feel that one counts huge because when you are not playing very well you know you can do better, and just pull yourself through.
“Also dropping the first set hasn’t happened to me very often so far but I have learned about digging in and that I can turn matches around and that is a big learning thing for me.”
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