Emma Raducanu hopes to recapture the form which led her to Grand Slam glory at the US Open, saying: "Patience is key. Because, as I said, there are a lot of lows, where you learn about your game. You adjust to each level gradually"
Tuesday 26 October 2021 17:45, UK
British teenage sensation Emma Raducanu has called for some "patience" as she returns to court at the Transylvania Open in Cluj.
The 18-year-old is already a surprise Grand Slam champion having won the US Open without dropping a set earlier this summer, but she is only entering her fourth tour-level tournament in Romania this week.
She takes on Polona Hercog on Tuesday bidding to win her first WTA Tour match, having lost in the opening round at previous tournaments in Nottingham, San Diego and Indian Wells.
"I kind of went from zero to the top of the game. So, it's obviously going to take some time to adjust and adapt but hopefully with some good work I will be able to do that"
Raducanu, who is currently searching for a new coach having parted with Andrew Richardson after her win in New York, insists she requires time to find her game again.
"I don't think there is any pressure on me," she said. "I feel like everyone should just be a little patient with me.
"I am going to find my tennis, I just need a little bit of time. But I am really enjoying it.
"I feel like I am the same person. I still go out there, approaching the same as before.
"I am really enjoying my tennis right now. I feel it will be in a great place. In the long term, I know it will be up and down, the past few weeks I have learned a lot about myself.
"I am really excited for the next chapter. This end of the season and the next year I can play on the tour, like a full year, and that is the most exciting thing.
"Patience is key. Because, as I said, there are a lot of lows, where you learn about your game. You adjust to each level gradually.
"I kind of went from zero to the top of the game. So, it's obviously going to take some time to adjust and adapt but hopefully with some good work I will be able to do that."
Raducanu is back in the country where her father was born and grandmother still lives.
The British No 1 could also be in line to meet her idol Simona Halep in the semi-finals should both players progress that far.
"Simona is an inspiration to me. I loved watching her from a young age. We have had a few short friendly exchanges," she added.
"She has been really nice. Which I find really cool. It is amazing now I can play the same tournaments as her, see her around. I just find her really cool."
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