Emma Raducanu's opponent makes feelings clear on tennis star after agonising US Open defeat

Posted by author August 28, 2024 Tennis

Emma Raducanu’s opponent, Sofia Kenin, has backed the ‘tough’ tennis star to bounce back following her defeat at the US Open on Wednesday morning.

The Briton had gone into the clash hoping to proceed to the second round of the competition she won just three years ago.

Yet Raducanu struggled to get going, with Kenin winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to progress at her expense.

Kenin was asked about her opponent after the match, with the American then backing Raducanu to bounce back.

Emma Raducanu’s opponent, Sofia Kenin, has backed the ‘tough’ tennis star to bounce back following her defeat at the US Open on Wednesday morning

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She also described her rival as a ‘tough player’ and expressed her delight at going through.

“It was a rollercoaster. Emma is such a tough player,” she said. “She played some great tennis.

“I’m just happy to have won. It was super close. The third set could’ve gone either way.

“I tried to handle my nerves. The support from you guys and everyone in the box means a lot.

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The 21-year-old gambled by opting to play just one hard-court match prior to the final Grand Slam of the year.

And Raducanu admitted that decision came back to bite her, with the Briton also vowing to learn from the experience.

“I would have probably preferred to play a little bit more,” she said.

“I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything’s automatic.

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Emma Raducanu was outclassed by Sofia Kenin in their US Open clash on Wednesday morning

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“I can learn from it. And, you know, manage my schedule slightly differently.

“It wasn’t just me. It was more of like a collective call and that’s what happened, and I can’t really change it.”

Raducanu is yet to win a match at the US Open since her sensational victory three years ago.

She continued: “Yeah, I feel down, like I feel sad. This is a tournament I really want to do well in.

Emma Raducanu was dejected after her defeat to Sofia Kenin at the US Open

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“I’m just going to go back to the drawing board and train and analyse where I went wrong and try and improve for the rest of the season.

“Obviously, the slams are over for this year, but it’s not actually that long until Australia comes around again.”

Kenin will now go up against Jessica Pegula in the second round of the tournament.

Pegula booked her own place in the next stage with a straight sets win over compatriot Shelby Rogers.

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