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Emma Raducanu US Open 2021
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‘She destroyed me every time in the juniors’ – Emma Raducanu relishing quarter-final clash


British star Emma Raducanu is expecting a tough quarter-final encounter against fellow teenager Marta Kostyuk at the Transylvania Open on Friday. 

Raducanu, who has recorded her first and second WTA Tour wins of her career in Romania this week, now faces a talented Ukrainian opponent who the Brit confessed ‘destroyed her’ in the junior ranks.

Kostyuk, who came through her encounter against Mona Barthel on Thursday, expressed her desire to face the US Open champion and got her wish after Raducanu later ousted Ana Bogdan 6-3 6-4.

The Ukrainian, just five months older than the US Open champion, made her own Grand Slam breakthrough in 2018 when she reached the third round of the Australian Open aged 15, and Raducanu is aware of her ability.

“Marta is a great opponent, she absolutely destroyed me in the juniors every single time, so it will be an interesting match, I’m looking forward to it,” said Raducanu.

“But she was playing full-time and practicing, on the road, from a very young age. She developed a lot of skills doing that. I kind of came from behind and caught up this year.”

Should Raducanu prevail, she could finally get the chance to meet her idol Simona Halep in the semi-final should the Romanian be victorious in her encounter.

The British star has previously voiced her desire to play against the two-time Grand Slam champion, which could provide an extra bit of motivation for the 18-year-old in her quarter-final clash on Friday.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.