In-form Emma Raducanu makes very interesting statement ahead of Washington QF
Raducanu gave an interesting response when asked about playing in the QF versus either Liudmila Samsonova or Paula Badosa.
Emma Raducanu made one very interesting statement after sealing a Washington quarterfinal ticket as the 21-year-old Briton says she “would like to see myself as the underdog” in her next match. After a very positive and promising grass season, Raducanu is also making some noise at the start of the North American hard court as she beat No. 8 seed Elise Mertens in her opener before also defeating Peyton Stearns 7-6 (6) 6-2.
Since No. 3 seed Liudmila Samsonova and former world No. 2 Paula Badosa didn’t get to play their round-of-16 match on Wednesday, Raducanu needed to wait for a day to learn about her quarterfinal opponent. And on Thursday, the Briton learned that her next opponent would be Badosa, who was 6-2 up on Samsonova when the Russian was forced to retire the match.
Considering that Raducanu has played extremely well over the last two months, there is no doubt that she will enter her quarterfinal match against Badosa with a good chance of winning it. But in her mind, the 2021 US Open champion is refusing to get too high.
Raducanu: I have less experience…
“Yeah, obviously very good friends with Paula. I know she’s such a good tennis player. I practice with her. She’s hitting the ball really, really big, really good. Liudmila I played two years ago here in DC. She’s actually had a great year, is seeded here,” Raducanu said.
“It’s going to be a really tough match whoever I play. I think I’ve done such a good job to own my position in the quarterfinals now. I think whoever I play, I’d like to see myself as the underdog because I have less experience. They’re a bit older than me, both of them.
“I’m just so pleased to be in the quarters, building some momentum.”
For Raducanu it will be her second Washington quarterfinal in her second appearance at the tournament. Interestingly, Raducanu was beaten by Samsonova in the 2022 Washington last-eight – but now won’t play the Russian again in the same stage.
It remains to be seen if Raducanu can go a step further this year and reach her maiden Washington semifinal.
