Emma Raducanu Pledges Game Overhaul After Australian Open Setback
British tennis star Emma Raducanu has announced plans for a comprehensive re-evaluation of her playing style following a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old, seeded 28th in the tournament, suffered a straight-sets defeat to Anastasia Potapova in Melbourne, with the match concluding 7-6, 6-2.
Despondent Display in Melbourne
Raducanu appeared visibly frustrated on court during the encounter, particularly in a second set that quickly slipped from her grasp. The British number one made a series of unforced errors, with her forehand proving especially problematic under the challenging windy conditions at the Grand Slam event.
The match had initially shown promise for Raducanu, who led 5-3 in the opening set before Potapova mounted a determined comeback. Her opponent, now representing Austria after switching from Russia last season, currently holds a world ranking of 55.
Raducanu's Candid Assessment
In a frank post-match analysis, Raducanu revealed her intention to return to a more fundamental approach to her game. "I think the misalignment with how I'm playing right now and how I want to be playing is something that I just want to work on," she explained.
The 2021 US Open champion expressed particular concern about her current tactical approach: "At the end of the day, I just want to hit the ball to the corners and hard. I feel like I'm doing all this variety, and it's not doing what I want it to do."
Raducanu emphasised her desire to recapture the playing style that brought her early success: "I need to just work on playing in a way more similar to how I was playing when I was younger."
Consistency Challenges Since Grand Slam Triumph
The Australian Open defeat highlights the ongoing challenges Raducanu has faced in maintaining consistent performance levels since her historic US Open victory four-and-a-half years ago. During this period, she has worked with multiple coaches in her quest to establish herself among tennis's elite, including recent collaboration with Francisco Roig since last summer.
Despite previously expressing optimism about her coaching partnership, Raducanu acknowledged the need for reflection: "I think I'm going to take a few days, get back home and try and just re-evaluate my game a bit. Watch it back, see where I can improve. What I have been feeling and also what is visually apparent."
Pragmatic Approach to Recovery
The British athlete demonstrated a measured perspective regarding her preparation for the tournament, having managed a foot injury during pre-season training. "I just need to take it for what it is, be pragmatic, and go back and keep working," Raducanu stated, adding that she wouldn't give herself "too much of a hard time" given these circumstances.
Looking ahead, Raducanu confirmed her participation in the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, beginning on 1st February. The tournament holds personal significance as it takes place in her father's home country, potentially offering a supportive environment for her planned reassessment process.
Raducanu concluded with determination: "I definitely want to feel better on certain shots before I start playing again," indicating her commitment to addressing technical issues before her next competitive appearance.
