World No. 10 Emma Raducanu commented on reaching the second round of the tournament in Washington. She defeated the qualifier Louisa Chirico (6-4, 6-2).
There were moments when I played well, but at the beginning of the match, I was certainly nervous. The first round at any tournament is always difficult.
When you haven’t gained match form yet, some little things may not work out. It’s important to stay calm.
I think I can handle my emotions better in this tournament. I hope I will in the next round because at some points I was a little nervous, but I pulled myself together and finally found a way out.
She also spoke out about the downturn in performances. At the end of August, she will have to defend her title at the US Open.
No matter what I say, I guess I did have certain expectations, maybe a little too high. And now I honestly accept that. Yes, it’s not likely to be easy for me, but honestly, I’m 100 percent ready to start over. If my rating drops to 1000 or something, I don’t care.
I think I’m smarter now than I was after the US Open and at the beginning of this year. Now as a US Open champion I know I’m going to make my way back one way or another.
It might take time, but I accept it and look forward to whatever that path is.