In September, Emma Raducanu had crossed the US Open, from qualifications to the final, like in a dream.
Not the slightest set lost in ten matches and an unexpected major title (his first on the circuit).
Comparable to those won at Roland-Garros by Michael Chang in 1989, Gustavo Kuerten in 1997 or Iga Swiatek in 2020.
To discover
Australian Open: men's schedule and results
Australian Open: ladies schedule and results
The return to earth was a bit brutal. The aftermath of the party proved to be ruthless and the end of the season indigestible (3 defeats in 5 matches), a period marked by a change of coach. And the start of the season quickly reminded him of the magnitude of the task. Forfeited during the Melbourne preparation tournament, following a positive test for Covid-19 in mid-December (chained by three weeks without playing), Emma Raducanu did not exist during her resumption match in Sydney. The young Briton was swept away by Kazakh Elena Rybakina, 6-0, 6-1.
Emma Raducanu will be immersed in the heart of the matter at the Australian Open. The Briton will be opposed in the first round to the American Sloane Stephens (68th in the world), winner of the US Open in 2017 who, before her, had to struggle with the questions after the promises sown when the confirmation was slow to take shape. “
What an awful draw for Emma Raducanu
,” summarizes the
BBC
. Sloane Stephens will return to competition after her marriage to footballer Jozy Altidore.
For Emma Raducanu, the hardest part begins. The road to confirmation will be strewn with pitfalls, setbacks and frustrations. Emma Raducanu, resplendent, refreshing had (in company of the Canadian Leylah Fernandez, unfortunate finalist in New York) offered the image of a feminine tennis full of resources, of audacity. A contagious, precious joy of playing. Brittle. Installed in the world Top 20 (18th), the Briton (19 years old) must continue her discovery of the high level with the weight of a rising celebrity and the strength drawn from an unforgettable adventure. The Briton will be, in Melbourne, as throughout the season, a player to follow. Because she's going to need a little time to confirm. Time, which the top level refuses to offer. So, Emma Raducanuready for a (delicate) new leap into the unknown.
