Emma Raducanu credited her new training regime after ending her losing streak at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. After a run of four straight defeats, the British No.2 overcame Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-2 in the first round to set up a clash with world No.17 Karolina Muchova on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old has had to rely on wildcards to enter her last three tournaments since losing to Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Australian Open.
And after fighting her way past Sakkari, the 2021 US Open champion claimed her conditioning is improving since teaming up with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura.
“I’m just really proud I’ve stuck it out and come through that match against a really tough opponent,” she said afterwards. “I had to play really good tennis to beat her.
“That’s one thing that I’m improving, my athleticism. The work is paying off on that side of it. I’m looking forward for the tennis side also coming together and then I feel like I’m building a good big picture.”
Raducanu has been plagued by form and fitness issues ever since her incredible triumph in New York. But she’s seemingly stayed injury-free since withdrawing from the Auckland Open in January due to a back spasm.
The world No.61 made no secret of her delight at sealing victory, smiling broadly afterwards and staying on the court for almost 20 minutes to sign autographs for fans. She’s currently without a coach, having parted company with Nick Cavaday, but is currently being mentored by Jane O’Donoghue in Dubai.
And she praised the impact of both her close friend and new trainer Nakamura. “I think something really important has been having amazing people around me,” added the 22-year-old.
“Jane, who I’ve known forever, she’s like a big sister to me. And Yutaka as well, their belief is unwavering, even though yours (the press) might quiver a little bit from time to time.”
Raducanu has proven to be a popular figure in the Middle East and enjoyed the bulk of the crowd’s support during her win over the Greek player. And she voiced her appreciation for the backing she received after leaving the arena to a huge ovation.
“Walking off there, just going through that tunnel, that support was just out of control, in a good way and it’s something that I’ve missed for so long,” she said. “That feeling is unparalleled, you can’t replicate it.”
