- Emma Raducanu has disregarded the idea that she and the newly-crowned world number one, Iga Swiatek, have similar young success
- Raducanu was knocked out of the Stuttgart Open as her clay-court run came to an end following a straight-sets defeat by world No 1 Iga Swiatek
- Despite being a major champion, Raducanu says she feels no pressure at the moment, given her inexperience on clay
Iga Swiatek, the new world number one, defeated Raducanu in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix quarter-finals in straight sets (also known as the Stuttgart Open).
On the other hand, Fans praised the British star for her efforts on social media.
Emma Raduanu dismisses Iga Swiatek comparison. Photo: Eurosport
Swiatek is just a year older than Raducanu, at 20 years old, and some linked her remarkable French Open victory in 2020 to Raducanu’s landmark victory at the US Open last year.
Raducanu dismisses Swiatek comparison
Swiatek, who was barely 18 years old, stormed to victory at Roland-Garros without dropping a set, and she was the same age as Raducanu when she won in New York.
Raducanu, on the other hand, had dismissed any similarities to world number one, pointing out that the Polish star was already a well-established player on the WTA Tour when she won her maiden major.
Eurosport questioned Emma Raducanu if her first Grand Slam victory was similar to Swiatek’s, to which she said, “I wouldn’t say so.
” I ga Swiatek had been on tour for a lot longer –– whether it was the WTA or the ITF –– and she had a lot more match experience.
“Whereas I was in exam halls until last summer, I’d never really played in competitions. For me, this is my first full year playing tournaments in back-to-back weeks, so it’s all a learning curve for me.
“But of course, we’re both young, and hopefully, we’ll be playing again in the future.”
Swiatek made her WTA circuit debut at the 2019 Australian Open, allowing her to compete for the entire year before winning Roland Garros in 2020.
Swiatek reaches Stuttgart Semis in a straight-sets win over Raducanu. Photo: Getty Images
She made her second clay Slam appearance in Paris, her 17th main draw participation on tour, and her sixth Major appearance overall.
Raducanu, on the other hand, made her tour-level debut in June 2021, only three weeks before her Wimbledon Slam debut.
The US Open was only the teen’s fourth tour-level appearance, second Slam appearance, and first appearance in the US Open.
Raducanu continued: “This is my first full year where I’m playing tournaments in back-to-back weeks.
“It’s all a learning curve for me, but we’re both young, and hopefully, we’ll be playing again in the future.”
Raducanu had previously played Swiatek in the quarter-finals of the women’s singles at Wimbledon in 2018.
That day, the world number one won 6-0, 6-1, and went on to win the tournament.
“Of course, what she’s achieved is incredible,” Raducanu said of her chances against Swiatek in Stuttgart.
“She’s in great form and number in the world, so I feel like there are no expectations, no pressure for me.
“I’m going to go out there and swing because I feel like clay isn’t exactly labelled as ‘my surface’, but I get to take her on.
“It’s going to be a challenge, sure, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Raducanu’s match against Swiatek will be just her fifth professional match on clay. At the same time, Swiatek has a Roland Garros title and WTA 1000 Italian Open 2021 title to her name on the surface.
Raducanu’s first professional clay tournament was the Stuttgart Open, and the teenager is happy with her progress.
With victories over Storm Sanders and Tamara Korpatsch, clay appears to be a surface on which the Brit can excel. But for the time being, the focus is solely on training and making steady progress.
Raducanu is pleased with her progress
Raducanu states that she is pleased with her progress despite her defeat. Photo: Eurosport
Raducanu’s first professional clay tournament was the Stuttgart Open, and the teenager is happy with her progress.
With victories over Storm Sanders and Tamara Korpatsch, clay appears to be a surface on which the Brit can excel. But for the time being, the focus is solely on training and making steady progress.
“Of course, it helps win the matches,” she said. “But I feel like recently I’ve just really put my head down and [can] see the improvements I’ve been making.
“I’ve been practising well, so I’m happy with my current situation and how I’m approaching tennis right now.”
Despite becoming a major champion, Raducanu claims she has “no pressure” right now because of her lack of clay experience.
The French Open begins next month, and the British player will most certainly be seeded in the top ten of the main draw.
While Swiatek will start as the overwhelming favourite, Raducanu will now be confident in her ability to compete against everyone she meets.
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