Raducanu: "I have made great progress in my game in the last few months"

Emma Raducanu advances quickly towards the quarterfinals of WTA Washington 2024. The British player defeated Elise Mertens and Peyton Stearns to now be just three matches away from the trophy, although the title still seems somewhat distant. The world number 89 went through a press conference to review her victory over the American, also discussing how her evolution has been during this past season.

Her progress in the last year

“I have made significant progress in my game over the past few months. I started the grass season outside the Top 200 and ended it within the top 100,” Emma explained at the WTA Washington 2024 press conference. “For me, it has been a relative success. It guaranteed me a spot in the main draw of the US Open, which was very important. I wanted to make sure I could enter the Grand Slams. If I compare with a year ago at this time, I wasn’t even hitting balls. I didn’t touch a tennis ball until late November. I am very happy to be where I am, competing, healthy, simply enjoying my tennis.”

Next opponent: Paula Badosa or Liudmila Samsonova

“Paula and I are very good friends, I know she is a great player, I train with her. She hits the ball very well. I played against Liudmila here two years ago, and she has been having a great year. It will be a tough match whoever my opponent is. I believe I have done a great job earning my spot in the quarterfinals. I like to see myself as the underdog in the next match because I have less experience. Both of them are a bit older than me. I am very happy to be in the quarters.”