“Like a kid who just loves playing” Emma Raducanu all set for the 2022 Wimbledon, talks of taking inspiration from Nadal and Djokovic
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Emma Raducanu, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Emma Raducanu, the World No. 11 and the 10th seed at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships will be one of the most sought players after her debut run to the 4th round of the Grand Slam last year that made her the youngest British woman to achieve the feat. The Brit has since then gone on to win the 2021 US Open and there is a lot of excitement in British folks to see the teen sensation performing well at the All-England Club once again this season and try to go the distance.
“I’m very much looking forward to being back here at Wimbledon. I think it’s the most special place to be playing tennis and just a very inspiring and motivating place to be and definitely looking forward to stepping on the court on Monday and ready to go. I’ve definitely been managing it (injury) since Nottingham and I took two weeks off but I’ve been preparing this week and yesterday we just reacted to the situation, we had already practised in the morning and we thought collectively it was the best decision to pass the afternoon session and stay fresh,” said Emma in her pre-tournament press conference.
Emma Raducanu talks of watching Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
With the practices being scheduled on the Center Court and Court 1 breaking age-old tradition in order to ensure the players are not injured, many top players have shared the courts and Emma was lucky enough to watch tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic carry out their respective practice sessions which were a brilliant experience for the teen.
“I’m 19, just to be watching Rafa and Novak from close range and to be able to take part and try to learn from them and walk among these great players, it’s still special. I don’t think it really ever changes when you’re watching these greats and it’s amazing to have them around and leading with such a great example. It’s just my second Wimbledon so I’m really new to this so it’s a really special feeling,” said Emma.
Emma Raducanu discusses her emotions about people cheering her at the All-England Club
With Emma’s win in the 2021 US Open ending Britain’s wait of 44 years, the teenager has become the darling of the UK and has had great support since then with the player being looked at as the future flag bearer of British tennis as she is just getting started being in her first full season on the Tour.
“This year, it’s a special feeling walking around the grounds and I feel people are behind me even from some of the people working on the tournament and they are cheering me on so that’s pretty special in itself. One of the perks is I don’t need to cross the road to Orangi to practice on Court 28 or something so that’s definitely a perk. I feel last year I came straight out of my exams and I was just fresh and ready to play and I feel the same excitement this year because Wimbledon just brings that out of me especially.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it and just going to play like a kid who just loves playing and you know it’s always my dream to step out onto the Center Court and that’s something I always wanted to do and started playing tennis for,” concluded Raducanu as she prepares to take on Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round of the Championships starting tomorrow.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)