“I’m not leaving, this is not happening,” Emma Raducanu shares how she got through a tough encounter against Elise Mertens at Citi Open

Raducanu defeated Mertens in three sets to progress to the second round.

“I’m not leaving, this is not happening,” Emma Raducanu shares how she got through a tough encounter against Elise Mertens at Citi Open

Emma Raducanu (via Imago)

Emma Raducanu fought hard to secure a first-round win against Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the Citi Open. She had turned down the invitation to play at the Paris Olympics and is taking part in the WTA 500 event instead.

The 21-year-old arrived in Washington DC after reaching the quarterfinals of the Eastbourne Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon. She continued her strong form from the grass season in USA against Mertens. She took the first set with ease before the Belgian fought back and took the contest into a decider.

In the deciding set, Raducanu took an early 3-1 lead but couldn’t hold it for long as Mertens saved two breakpoints to make it 3-3. The British star won three of the remaining four breakpoints thanks to Mertens’ eleven double faults and moved into the second round with a 6-2 3-6 6-4.

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After the victory, Raducanu said that she was proud of her mentality and character despite losing some focus in the second set.

I was telling myself: 'I'm not leaving. This is not happening. You're not losing this match'. I think I'm just most proud of my mentality and character today. I was playing some pretty good tennis in patches throughout, especially in the first set and moments in the third set. I lost some focus in the second. It's not easy playing at 11.30. I got here Thursday night so I'm still jet-lagged.
Emma Raducanu said (via Talksport)

Raducanu also stated that she was focusing on getting to the best level before the US Open. The Citi Open will be a much-needed test and preparation for the British star ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.

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Emma Raducanu faced with tough qualifying decision after Tennis Canada didn’t give her a wildcard

Emma Raducanu is faced with a tough decision after Tennis Canada confirmed that she is not expected to get a wildcard for the Canadian Open. The British star’s name was not included in the initial entry list for qualifying for the event.

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu (Via Imago)

Raducanu didn’t compete at the 2024 French Open because she was not given a wildcard. She was expected to feature in the qualifying rounds but pulled out because of the negative image it would bring if she eventually failed to make it to the main draw.

Despite making her way back into the WTA Top 100, it would not be enough for the former US Open champion to make it to the main draw at the Masters 1000 event in Canada. The tournament organizers favored giving the wildcards to Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, and Sofia Kenin. Raducanu will have to decide whether to skip the tournament or play in the qualifying round.

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