US Open: Emma Raducanu - return flight reserved after qualification
Emma Raducanu is sensationally in the semifinals of the US Open at the age of just 18. That even the Briton did not expect this before the tournament is shown by her plans, which the teenager made public after her quarter-final victory over Belinda Bencic.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Sep 08, 2021, 10:08 pm
At the US Open 2021, it is mainly two 18-year-old teenagers who make the big headlines: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. While for the latter, the major event ended somewhat ingloriously with complaints to the adductors, the tennis fairy tale of its British counterpart in the women's draw continues. In the quarter-finals of the US Open, Raducanu eliminated Olympic champion Belinda Bencic on Wednesday - making the British woman the first woman to qualify for the semifinals in the major in New York City.
With such a sensational run, Raducanu probably didn’t flirt even in her wildest dreams, and the teenager makes no secret of it: "It’s an unbelievable experience, and the truth is that I didn’t expect to be here at all. So much, that I had booked the return flight to my country for the period after qualifying, " said the 18-year-old after her victory over Belinda Bencic.
Raducanu "hungry for victories"
There is no room for nerves with the 18-year-old, because the Brit tries to stay on the autopilot at all times during the game: "For me, it is important to keep my routine and the autopilot that I use in competitions and that helps me concentrate to stay, "said Raducanu. She went out on the court to have fun. Knowing that this could have been her last appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium this year.
The journey should by no means end with the semi-finals, the fire is blazing in the 18-year-old, assured her: "I am hungry for victories and I am very confident when I see how my level of play is changing in every game, I've played has improved. I just try to stay focused, I'm not looking at the historic records I'm breaking. "
Prominent well-wishers
Meanwhile, the congratulations are increasing in Emma Raducanu's homeland, the sensational run of the Briton is celebrated across all sports. Greg Rusedski, for example, is amazed at the youngster's achievements, emphasizing the historic opportunity for the 18-year-old. But also pop icon Liam Gallagher and football legend Gary Lineker celebrate the young lady.
In the semifinals, Raducanu is now waiting for the winner of the duel between Karolina Pliskova and Maria Sakkari.