Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is making strides in her comeback, reaching the quarterfinals of the Korea Open after another challenging match. The 21-year-old Brit, ranked 70th in the world, battled past China’s number eight seed Yuan Yue 6-4, 6-3, converting her seventh match point in the last 16 in Seoul.
Raducanu, who has been plagued by injuries since her historic US Open victory, showcased her growing confidence and resilience in the humid conditions of the tournament. She said, “Especially after not having played a lot of matches, to be able to churn out that kind of level twice now, having to back it up tomorrow and the next day without a day off, I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The challenge ahead is a formidable one. Raducanu will now face top seed Daria Kasatkina, the world number 13, on Friday. “For me, it’s going to be a big challenge physically and tennis-wise, but at the same time, I don’t have anything to lose. She’s expected to win, but I know how dangerous I am and I think I’m improving match to match,” said Raducanu.
Her victory against Yuan was marked by a medical time-out to address a foot issue, but she showed determination to close out the match. “I think the key to my success today was trying to let go of any frustration that happened. Closing out the match I had a lot of match points I couldn’t convert, so just staying focused and breaking in that last game,” said Raducanu.
Raducanu is hoping to make a significant impact at the Korea Open, which has been affected by a string of high-profile withdrawals, including world number one Iga Swiatek, US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula, and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
This tournament marks a crucial step in Raducanu’s return to form, and her growing confidence in her body signals a promising path forward as she aims to reclaim her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
