(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Emma Raducanu Focused on Steady Progress, Not Grand Slam Titles — Yet
British tennis star Emma Raducanu says she is currently keeping her expectations realistic, focusing on improving her game rather than chasing Grand Slam or WTA 1000 titles. However, she made it clear that once she reaches her desired level, her goals will shift toward winning the biggest tournaments.
Ahead of the Cincinnati Open, the world No. 33 made headlines by hiring Francisco Roig, the former long-time coach of Rafael Nadal. Speaking about the new partnership, the 22-year-old explained that she believes Roig can help her sharpen her shots and develop into a player capable of challenging the very best.
Since her stunning US Open triumph in 2021, Raducanu has not reached another final and has been out of the top-10 rankings since early 2022.
“I know there will be a time when I’ll target big tournaments, Masters, and Slams. But right now, my main aim is to keep improving as a player,” Raducanu said in Cincinnati.
Raducanu vs. Sabalenka — Cincinnati Challenge Ahead
For a place in the last-16, Raducanu will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion. This will be the Briton’s third meeting with the Belarusian, who has won both of their previous encounters in straight sets, including their last match at Wimbledon.
Raducanu acknowledged that the surface in Cincinnati may favor Sabalenka but remains optimistic.
“Different surfaces favor different players, and I know where my game is right now. Grass gave me a bit more of an advantage last time, but we’ll see how this goes,” she noted.
Interestingly, this is only Raducanu’s second appearance at the Cincinnati tournament. In her debut in 2022, she reached the last-16 before losing to Jessica Pegula.
