Emma Raducanu has one more chance to add some valuable match time before Wimbledon.
The British number one reached the quarterfinals at the Queen’s HSBC Championships before falling to Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.
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Some players chose to use the week before Wimbledon to rest, but Raducanu opted to play the Eastbourne International in search of more form and confidence ahead of the Grand Slam.
The 23-year-old made the quarterfinals in Eastbourne last year, but conditions at the WTA 250 event are often windy due to its coastal location.
Speaking to the media ahead of her return, the British number one reflected on the conditions at Eastbourne:
“All in all, I’m looking forward to this week and also preparing for Wimbledon. It’s so windy — I definitely forgot how windy it was, so I’m trying to get used to that.”
“In London I was feeling good, but coming to Eastbourne — not so good (with the conditions). But I think that’s something everyone has to accept and come to terms with.”
She added that it’s going to be a battle of who can manage the conditions better and who can manage themselves and their attitude, without getting too frustrated.
Raducanu faces Ann Li in her opener a player she has never taken on before but knows what to expect.
“Very tough first round. It’s a difficult draw. First match playing Ann Li — I know she has big weapons, a good forehand, good serve, and can slice her backhand around, so it’s going to be a tough match.”
“Centre Court here is really nice and I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing in front of the crowd.”
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