Emma Raducanu overcame Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in a tense first-round match at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, setting up an exciting clash with former world number one Naomi Osaka.
"Such victories really bring you a lot of pleasure because you get a boost of confidence," Raducanu explained after her win. "You go through certain tense situations: playing a tie-break, making breaks, winning the match on return... So I'm pleased. Marta is a difficult opponent, I've known her since we were 11 years old. She already beat me this year, so it's good to get this match on my record."
The British player, who stunned the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, addressed the challenges of transitioning between playing surfaces throughout the season.
"I think it's generally a difficult part of the season: transitioning from clay to grass, and then from grass to hard court. And this is actually the first year I'm fully going through it. I'm proud of how I'm managing to cope with this even when I don't feel very comfortable," she shared.
Raducanu described the current playing conditions as "lively," noting that the ball moves faster and bounces higher compared to grass courts, which suits her game better. She hopes that with more match practice, her comfort level will continue to improve.
Washington clearly holds a special place in Raducanu's heart. "I feel comfortable here. And I really like Washington itself, it's one of my favorite places here. The Georgetown area has this European vibe. So I love walking there when I have time," she said.
Looking ahead to her next match, Raducanu faces a significant challenge in four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
"Yes, it will be a Grand Slam champions derby, but she has three more titles than me," Raducanu laughed. "She has more experience in this regard. She's a very dangerous opponent with good results this season. I know I need to play very well to have a chance to advance."
Can the young British star recapture some of that 2021 US Open magic against one of the tour's most powerful players? The stage is set for what promises to be a fascinating contest.
