Emma Raducanu feels she has reduced the difference between herself and the leading tennis players but acknowledges that significant improvement is still required to fulfill Aryna Sabalenka`s forecast of her returning to the top 10.
The British number one delivered a determined performance in her third-round match against the top-seeded Sabalenka on Centre Court on Friday night, eventually falling 7-6, 6-4.
Sabalenka complimented Raducanu`s “incredible” standard of play, suggesting the young Brit could rejoin the elite group. She added that she “had to fight for every point like crazy” and was pleased to see Emma “healthy and back on track.”
In response, Raducanu, ranked world number 40, said: “It`s kind of her to say that, but I think the difference was pretty clear. In the significant moments, she managed to convert her chances and execute some incredible shots.”
“I simply need to keep working, revisit the fundamentals, and improve much more.”
In the opening set, Raducanu secured an early break. After world number one Sabalenka broke back, the Brit showed resilience by saving seven set points in a lengthy 10th game.
Raducanu broke again in the 11th game to serve for the set, only for Sabalenka to immediately break back once more.
During the tie-breaker, Raducanu had a set point of her own before Sabalenka clinched it on her first opportunity to take the first set lead.
In the second set, Raducanu built a 4-1 advantage, but Sabalenka relentlessly won five consecutive games to secure her place in the fourth round.
“It gives me confidence that I`m not as far behind as I might have thought before the tournament,” Raducanu commented.
“I believe that in the past when I played against top-five players, the losses were quite convincing. So, pushing Aryna as I did today certainly boosts my confidence.”
“The previous issue was feeling like there was a significant gap to the absolute top. Having a match where I created chances in both sets provides confidence.”
“Simultaneously, it`s very tough to accept right now. I`m quite self-critical. It`s difficult to see. Of course, I`m very proud of competing effectively on court. I would definitely prefer that over a match being completely one-sided.”
“But yes, there are positives. It`s just so soon after the match. I think it`s better for me to feel some of the pain right now and process it more effectively later on.”
When asked how she handles difficult defeats, Raducanu revealed: “Well, the very first thing I did was have a Kit Kat in the changing rooms.”
“It`s going to take me a couple of days to fully process that, but at the same time, it`s highly motivating. It could be a positive thing that makes me want to get back to work almost immediately.”
Raducanu to Discuss Future Coaching with Petchey
Raducanu`s ranking is projected to drop five places to 45th – due to points gained from reaching the fourth round last year now dropping off – making her the British number three following Sonay Kartal`s progress to the round of 16.
With the upcoming American hard court season, Raducanu also stated she plans to discuss her coaching situation with Mark Petchey.
“He obviously also has his commentating commitments. He agreed to kind of assist me until the end of Wimbledon, and then we`ll evaluate from there because he sacrificed some work to be with me here, which I truly appreciate and am grateful for,” she explained.
“That`s a conversation we need to have after a few days, once things have settled down a bit.”
Raducanu also echoed concerns raised by fellow Brit Jack Draper regarding line calls, after he commented that the Hawk-Eye technology was not “100 percent accurate” on Thursday night.
“Yeah, I mean, that call was definitely out,” she stated. “It`s somewhat disappointing here at the tournament that the calls can be so incorrect, although for the most part, they`ve been okay. I`ve had a few very wrong calls in my other matches as well.”
“So yeah, I don`t know. Hopefully, they can address that issue.”
