Emma Raducanu has confessed she has been taking inspiration from Carlos Alcaraz thrilling performances at Wimbledon. The Brit has admitted that defending champion’s matches has kept her motivated to best in her matches as she attempted to emulate some of Alcaraz’s shot-making skills.
The 2021 US Open Champion booked the R2 slot at the All England Club with a jaw dropping performance against Maria Sakkari as she registered her second top 10 win in a couple of weeks’ time.
After defeating WTA #5 seed Pegula at Eastbourne, the 21-year-old backed it up with a 6-2, 6-3 win over World #9 Greek Sakkari on Wimbledon Center Court.
Raducanu will be up against qualifier Lulu Sun next and if she passes her next test she will face the winner of Paula Badosa vs Donna Vekic in the final 8. When asked if she was looking further ahead in the draw which seems open until the semis, Raducanu responded: “Honestly, that’s so far ahead.
“I haven’t looked that far ahead. I only focus on who I’m playing next. I think that’s the best way to be. I think staying present in the moment is what got me this far. I’m not going to start changing anything.”
Alcaraz’s electric clashes – before Raducanu appeared for her Centre Court and Court No.1 encounters – have been a source of motivation for the resurgent Brit as she remained calm and composed before and during her matches while crediting Alcaraz for her positive mindset.
Alcaraz’s clash against American Frances Tiafoe preceded Raducanu-Sakkari clash and became a marathon 5-set affair before the World No. 3 eventually secured the win.
Raducanu added: “But I think, following the Carlos-Tiafoe match, it was such amazing tennis, just very fun to watch. I think the last couple matches I’ve been following Carlos, and yeah, it’s just good to watch before the match.
“I think sometimes in certain moments you in a way try to emulate certain shots or whatever.”
One of the key reasons behind Raducanu’s success against Sakkari was her ability to prevail in the the crucial points as she often produced aces or winners when she needed to. The WTA #135 saved 7 bps while converting five of the nine she devoured Greek’s serve.
“I think naturally that’s always been one of my big strengths, is the big points. I step up and I thrive and I love the challenge and trying to overcome it,” she explained.
“I think that’s something I did since a young age, very much so. I think in the last couple years, I don’t think I was playing those big points in the same way. Like, I wasn’t as aggressive. I was more passive.
“I think I’m playing such a top opponent like Maria, she’s not going to give me the match or give me an error. I know I have to go for it. Anyone at this level of the tournament is the same.
“You just have to take the opportunities while you have them.”