Emma Raducanu says the improvements to her serve that helped her reach the Nottingham quarter-finals were driven by recent defeats to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
Raducanu beat Ukraine’s Daria Snigur in straight sets on Thursday to advance to the round of 16 at a WTA grass-court tournament for the first time.
Her success at home follows defeats to world No. 3 Sabalenka in March on the hard courts of Indian Wells and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in April on clay in Stuttgart.
“I’m very happy to have overcome this match,” Raducanu said after hitting 11 aces in the 6-2 6-2 victory.
“It was a really tricky situation in the conditions and I’m very happy with how I handled all the circumstances. Daria is a really tough opponent, so it’s actually a really good achievement for me to have overcame that one.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Stuttgart Open quarter-final between Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek.
“I’m definitely happy that I served the first time. I served really well throughout the match and that made the match a little easier. If I had only had a second serve it would have been a nightmare to play.
“I’ve been working on every part of my game but obviously the serve is very important. It’s just a rehearsal and I’m happy to see the rewards in competition.
“Especially what I realized, playing against the best opponents like Iga (Swiatek) or Aryna (Sabalenka), you need a first serve because they are very comfortable holding serve. If you don’t don’t have one yourself, it’s very difficult.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Stuttgart Open quarter-final between Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek.
Raducanu was left without her coach Nick Cavaday in Nottingham due to her discomfort, and so former British professional Jane O’Donoghue supported her.
O’Donoghue, who reached the second round of Wimbledon twice in his own career, previously worked with Raducanu in his capacity as LTA coach.
Raducanu struggled to find his range and timing in the first two matches against Snigur, 22, ranked 127th and competent on grass after winning the junior title at Wimbledon five years ago.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Indian Wells Open round of 16 between Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka.
But from 2-0 down, Raducanu reeled off six games in a row before breaking twice more in the second set, while her serve helped her save seven of the eight break points she faced.
The 21-year-old coughed and sputtered at times, but downplayed his concerns, saying: “I’m a little sick, but who isn’t? It doesn’t matter.”
What’s happening on Sky Sports Tennis?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Discover all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours.
As the third Grand Slam of 2024 approaches – Wimbledon – you’ll be able to watch all of tennis’ biggest stars in action. live on Sky Sports as they compete throughout the grass court season.
- Stuttgart Open (ATP 250) – June 10-16
- Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16
- Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
- Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
- Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
- Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription. No contract, cancel anytime.
