'I take more confidence in the big moments' - Emma Raducanu opens up on new mindset as US Open approaches

After winning the biggest title of her career at the 2021 US Open, tennis star Emma Raducanu will be heading back to the New York Grand Slam with newfound confidence.

The British star announced her arrival in 2021 when she won the title at Flushing Meadows as a qualifier, defeating Canadian Leylah Fernandez in the final. Following her victory, Raducanu has failed to live up to expectations as she has seen her ranking drop due to injuries and inconsistent play.

Additionally, the former World No.10 has cycled through several coaches during her relatively short tenure on the WTA Tour. However, Raducanu seems to have rediscovered her form this season, after working with LTA coach Mark Petchey on a trial basis.

The 22-year old fell in the third round at Wimbledon, losing to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. Subsequently, Raducanu has put on a solid performance, reaching the semifinals at the DC Open last month.

Raducanu feeling confident ahead of the US Open

With the US Open only a few weeks away, Raducanu competed at the Cincinnati Open to finalize her preparations for the Grand Slam event. The British star Olga Danilovic in the opening round, before again falling to Sabalenka, this time in a three-set thriller that was decided in a tiebreak.

After her defeat to the World No.1, Raducanu was candid on her progress this season, as she sits at a 21-11 match-win record for the year.

"This is my first year on tour playing most of the calendar,” said the World No.39. “I had a tough start to the year and it was very difficult to change that. But in the last few months I’ve been building and the level has been increasing. The players I’m playing and losing to, they’re all top players, so that gives me confidence."

Furthermore, Raducanu would reflect on her change in mindset during her resurgence.

"On the court, I take more confidence in the big moments," admitted Raducanu. "I’ve been playing those big points pretty well for the most part so I’m looking forward to having some time to practice, improve and then get ready to play there."

The 2021 US Open champion has also begun working with a new coach, as she teamed up with Francisco Roig, a former mentor of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, prior to her campaign in Cincinnati.