Emma Raducanu looks to ‘improve a lot’ after Australian Open first-round win over Mananchaya Sawangkaew | Tennis News
Emma Raducanu was delighted with her straight sets win in the opening round of the Australian Open on Sunday, but insists she can “improve a lot”.
After a slow start against Thailand’s No. 195 Mananchaya Sawangkaew, Raducanu won 10 of the last 11 games to cruise to a 6-4, 6-1 victory.
The 23-year-old player was rushed to the tournament due to injury, and returned to the court in late December due to a foot problem that had been bothering him since the end of last season.
“Since I only have two weeks left to play, I am happy with the level and I am happy with the speed with which I found my feet on the field of play,” said Raducanu.
“It gives me confidence that if I keep doing the right things, putting in a lot of work and good training sessions, I can improve a lot.”
Raducanu came back from 3-1 down, faced two break points at 15-40 serving solo, in the opening set and credited the support of Australia’s biggest home crowd as helping him to come back.
“Obviously, Down Under. I’ve got Raddo,” he said of his new nickname. “I’ve never heard that before. Pretty original!
“Obviously I loved the support. I thought it was good on both sides. To have it on my side, in the big moments, was a good sign of encouragement.
“He can come to any game. I just need to try to find him. I hope he comes back.”
Raducanu: I’m better if I’m not silent
Raducanu admitted that he was also trying to get out on the field during his evening game which started shortly before 9.45pm local time in Melbourne.
“When you play in the first round, you are nervous,” added Raducanu.
“It’s a slam, it’s a big match and your opponent plays very well. It’s late at night, so to keep the energy high, to keep the motivation, I think it was good for me to stay positive, stay happy.
“I think it helped me. When I’m at my best, I’m not completely silent.
“It depends on the day. Today I felt like that would help me.”
A stern test awaits the British No. 1, with Russian-turned-Austrian Anastasia Potapova next up, and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round.
Regarding her next opponent, the world No. 55, who she will play on Wednesday, Raducanu said: “I remember Anastasia always being a player to watch and beat by the younger ones.
“He’s ranked very high and among the top players. He had a really tough game today so that should give him a lot of confidence.
“He’s a great hitter. I know it’s going to be really tough. I need to gather my strength and prepare for the next game.”
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