EMMA RADUCANU HAS 'SOMETHING SPECIAL' AND 'SOMETHING TO PROVE' ON RETURN TO...

It was two years ago that Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez were contesting the US Open final. Neither have hit the same heights since, but Fernandez had positive words for Raducanu after winning the Hong Kong Open. Fernandez is hopeful they can “both compete at the highest level once again” and thinks Raducanu is “hungry” and has “something to prove”.

Leylah Fernandez believes Emma Raducanu has “something special” and will have “something to prove” when she returns to tennis.

Raducanu memorably beat Fernandez in the 2021 US Open final to cap off a dream run from qualifying.

Both Raducanu, 20, and Fernandez, 21, have struggled to hit the same heights since that meeting in New York.

Fernandez almost dropped out of the top 100 this year, while Raducanu is currently ranked No. 282 in the world and is out of action following wrist and ankle surgery.

Speaking about herself and Raducanu after winning the Hong Kong Open, Fernandez told the South China Morning Post: “Well, 2021 was a special tournament for both of us, we both did extraordinary things not many people get to experience.

“I was able to beat a couple of top-10 players, ex-champions. Emma, she came through the qualifying, so we both had to go through some difficulties, and afterwards, I think it was hard on both of us adjusting to the new life.

“But at least for me, I tried to surround myself with a great group of people. I know Emma is working hard, I know she is hungry, she has something to prove, so I’m sure she’s going to come back and play some great tennis