Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, expressed regret over not having played more matches leading up to the tournament after suffering a first-round defeat to Sofia Kenin. Raducanu, who was ousted 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 by Kenin, acknowledged that a lack of match play affected her performance. Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner, showcased her aggression with six aces and 45 winners, securing a meeting with Jessica Pegula in the next round.
Raducanu, who achieved a fairytale victory in New York three years ago as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, has struggled to regain that form. She opted out of key preparatory events in Toronto and Cincinnati, a decision that seemed to impact her readiness as Kenin dominated the opening set. Raducanu admitted that playing more matches might have helped her feel more automatic and confident on court.
Despite a promising resurgence in the second set, where Raducanu broke Kenin’s serve and secured the set with a forehand winner, she faltered in the decisive set. A double fault in the fifth game of the final set allowed Kenin to take control, and Kenin ultimately clinched the win with a hold to love in the last game.
Reflecting on her performance, Raducanu, who has struggled since her US Open triumph, showed her emotional side during the post-match conference. She acknowledged the disappointment of her early exit but remained hopeful of extracting positives from the experience, emphasizing her desire to perform well in the tournament.
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