Emma Raducanu admitted she does not feel comfortable on clay courts after her defeat at the Madrid Open.
The 24th seed Marta Kostyuk defeated Raducanu in the second round 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
Raducanu is currently the 49th seedGettyRaducanu fought well, especially in the second set, but she was unable to earn her best clay court victory to date.
“I think it’s positive to get through and play two matches on the outdoor clay courts,” Raducanu said after her loss.
“I would say that it is pretty noticeable to me that I don’t necessarily feel very comfortable, but I think that’s something that I can improve on and work on.
“And it is my second proper clay season and the first one in three years.
“So I think I’m just trying to give myself a chance to play as many points as I can on it, and also [I need] time on the court training as well.”
Despite an apparent hard time on the court, the Brit was neck-tand-neck with her opponent as the first set was tied at 3-3.
But she then dropped her serve after two double faults, helping the Ukrainian’s momentum.
Raducanu’s change in direction and ability to slide into shots was clearly hindered as Kostyuk controlled the play.
The US Open winner improved in the second set, winning four consecutive games, but her flow halted in the deciding set.
“I found moving really difficult,” said Raducanu. “I felt like I was slipping around, but it was taking me a long time to get out of the corners and after the serve as well.
This year Raducanu has seven wins and seven lossesGetty“I’m not really sure how to improve that, so I guess I’ll just take that back and try to work on it in the next week.”
It was Raducanu’s first tournament after her ‘physical and mental’ break after reaching the Miami Open quarter-finals in March.
Her win against Suzan Lamens on Wednesday was her first win on outdoor clay for nearly three years.
Raducanu has endured a tumultuous career following her US Open win in 2021 including injuries, operations, stalkers and coach changes.
She continues to work with coach Mark Petchey on an informal basis. The two previously worked together in 2020 at the National Tennis Centre in London.
The 22-year-old will have more competitive practice on clay at the Italian Open, the final WTA 1000 event before the all-important French Open.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘It is pretty noticeable’ – Emma Raducanu makes worrying admission after defeat )
Also on site :