LINZ, AUSTRIA (REUTERS) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu has appointed German Torben Beltz as her new coach, the Briton said after she was beaten in her opening match at the Linz Open in Austria on Tuesday (Nov 9). Raducanu, 18, had been without a coach since she parted ways with Andrew Richardson two weeks after her surprise triumph at Flushing Meadows in September, where she became the first qualifier to win a major. "It's obviously a great privilege to be working with such an experienced coach. I'm definitely very excited to work with him throughout the pre-season and into next year," Raducanu, who had been the top seed in Linz, told reporters following her 6-1 6-7(0) 7-5 defeat by Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu. "Very positive feeling about all the work there is to come." Beltz, who recently split with compatriot Angelique Kerber, led the former world number one to the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2016. "He's obviously worked with Kerber who is such a great player and has done extremely well and won three Slams and I think that experience definitely helps with someone as inexperienced as me..." added Raducanu. "Also he's a really positive, cheerful guy who brings great energy to the team so I think that's also important when you're travelling on the road for quite a long time on the tour." The 44-year-old also coached Croatia's Donna Vekic between 2017 and 2020, helping her break into the top 20 before rejoining Kerber's team last year. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Raducanu stumbles to new early defeat in Linz Related Story Tennis: Disappointed Raducanu still adjusting to life on tour
LINZ, AUSTRIA (AFP) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu was knocked out of the WTA event in Linz on Tuesday (Nov 9), losing her second round match 6-1, 6-7 (0/7), 7-5 to world number 106 Wang Xinyu. The 18-year-old top seed Raducanu, who is expected to announce Torben Beltz as her new coach, stunned the tennis world in September when she became the first qualifier ever to win a major. Playing in just her third tournament since her Flushing Meadows success, the British teenager, now ranked 20 in the world, struggled from the start against the 20-year-old Chinese who galloped through the first set as Raducanu struggled with her service game. The Briton was far from her most fluent in the second set but made short work of Wang in the tie-break which she took to love. Wang, however, stayed with her in the decider, breaking to go 5-4 up and serve for the match. After two further breaks, Wang again served for the match, this time closing it out after two hours and 36 minutes on court. Wang now faces American eighth seed Alison Riske in the quarter-finals after her 6-4, 6-4 win over Alize Cornet. It marked another bad day of the office for Raducanu who has been without a coach since parting company with Andrew Richardson shortly after her triumph in New York. British media reported on Tuesday that Beltz, 44, who previously coached former world number one Angelique Kerber during her successful 2016 Australian Open and 2016 US Open campaigns, was set to take over the role. The German has also worked with Croatia's Donna Vekic. Second seed Simona Halep, who missed this year's French Open and Wimbledon due to a left calf tear, eased into the last eight with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Disappointed Raducanu still adjusting to life on tour Related Story Tennis: Raducanu sent packing by Ukraine's Kostyuk at Transylvania Open
BUCHAREST (REUTERS) - Ukrainian sixth seed Marta Kostyuk swept aside U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu for an emphatic 6-2 6-1 win to march into the last four of the Transylvania Open on Friday (Oct 29). Raducanu, who won her first two matches on the WTA tour to reach the quarter-finals, made 41 unforced errors as Kostyuk dictated play from the back of the court and easily overpowered the 18-year-old Briton. Raducanu lost her opening service game and never recovered from the early setback, squandering her only break-point opportunity in the sixth game of the first set. The second set started much like the first, with Raducanu again surrendering serve and the 19-year-old Kostyuk taking full advantage of her opponent's erratic groundstrokes. Raducanu showed glimpses of a fightback towards the end as she saved three match points on her own serve but eventually sent a backhand wide to fall to a crushing defeat in just under an hour. Kostyuk will take on local favourite and former world number one Simona Halep. The other semi-final will be contested between Sweden's Rebecca Peterson and Estonian Anett Kontaveit. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Raducanu turns on charm offensive Related Story Tennis: Patience required as Raducanu looks to build on US Open win
BUCHAREST (REUTERS) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been touching base with her Romanian side this week and endearing herself to the fans by speaking their language. The crowd favourite, whose father is Romanian and her mother is Chinese, is bidding to win her first title on the WTA Tour in just her fourth tournament, outside of two Majors this year, including Wimbledon. She eased into the Transylvania Open quarter-finals with a controlled 6-3, 6-4 win over Ana Bogdan, another home favourite alongside two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep, in the second round yesterday. The 18-year-old Briton followed up her maiden WTA Tour match victory over Polona Hercog of Slovenia on Tuesday with a much improved display. She looked steady on serve, winning 87.5 per cent of her first serve points and afterwards hailed the warm reception. "It was so good to play a Romanian here. All the volunteers who go into making this tournament possible, we really appreciate their support. Ana was a great opponent," Raducanu said. "It's definitely taking me some time to find my feet still. I'm taking some learnings from every match I play. I still don't think I'm the finished product yet." Raducanu, who announced herself on the grandest stage with her shock victory at Flushing Meadows as a qualifier, added she had gifted her US Open trophy to the British Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). "I just thought the LTA had done so much for me and I just wanted them to have it as a sign for everything they had done for me. It's a little gift," she said. Raducanu will next face 19-year-old Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk tomorrow. The teenager also intends to visit her grandmother, who lives in Bucharest, after the tournament. Meanwhile, Andy Murray said his defeat in the second round of the Vienna Open on Wednesday was just another bump in the road, with the former world No. 1 convinced it is just a matter of time before he is going deep into tournaments and winning again. The Scot had secured his first win over a top-10 player in 14 months after beating Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the first round, but he failed to advance further as he was outplayed 6-3, 6-4 by Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz. "I will get better and I will improve and I will break through in one week, or two weeks, or a few months. It will happen," he said. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Raducanu earns first win since US Open title Related Story Tennis: Patience required as Raducanu looks to build on US Open win
CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA (AFP) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu on Tuesday (Oct 26) claimed her first victory since her shock triumph in New York as the British teenager beat Polona Hercog at the Transylvania Open in Romania. Raducanu, 18, recovered from a set down to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after nearly two hours and 30 minutes in the first round in Cluj-Napoca against Hercog, the world number 124 from Slovenia. Making just her second appearance since the US Open, the 23rd-ranked Raducanu led 4-1 in the first set before Hercog won five games in a row. The third seed saved a break point at 5-all in the second set and won a lengthy following game on Hercog's serve to force a decider. Raducanu, born in Canada to parents from Romania and China, dominated the third set to secure her first victory in a WTA event and advance to a meeting with Romania's 106th-ranked Ana Bogdan. "It means a lot to play in my dad's country," said Raducanu, who delighted the crowd by conducting most of her post-match interview in Romanian. Raducanu stunned the tennis world at Flushing Meadows by becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. She had suffered a second-round loss to Aliaksandra Sasnovich at Indian Wells earlier this month in her first outing since the US Open. "I don't think there is any pressure on me," Raducanu said on Monday. "I feel like everyone should just be a little patient with me." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Patience required as Raducanu looks to build on US Open win Related Story Tennis: Raducanu is new ambassador for fashion house Dior
LONDON (AFP) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu has been announced as a new ambassador for French luxury fashion house Dior in the latest sign of her rapid elevation to A-list celebrity. The British teenager, who is also the face of jewellery brand Tiffany and Co, will represent Maria Grazia Chiuri's womenswear collections and Dior's skincare and make-up ranges. She wore a Dior dress to the premiere of the new James Bond film No Time To Die last month, and the 18-year-old told vogue.co.uk: "Maria Grazia's work empowers women to feel confident in the iconic Dior cut, which I feel is very unique. "The sincerity of her approach and the way she turns shows into collective and meaningful events unquestionably influenced me in my choice." Raducanu pulled out of this week's Kremlin Cup in Moscow after losing her first match since the US Open in Indian Wells earlier this month. She is due to return to action next week at the Transylvania Open in her father's home country of Romania. Emma Raducanu wore a Dior dress to the premiere of the new James Bond film No Time To Die in September 2021 (above). PHOTO: REUTERS More on this topic Related Story Tennis: US Open champion Raducanu withdraws from Kremlin Cup Related Story Tennis: Raducanu to train with Konta's former coach this week - reports
LONDON (REUTERS) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of next week's Kremlin Cup in Moscow following her second-round loss at the Indian Wells tournament, British media reported on Thursday (Oct 14). No immediate reason was given for the withdrawal. "Unfortunately, I've had to make a tournament schedule change and won't be able to play Moscow this year but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year," Raducanu said. "I look forward to returning to the tour in the next couple of weeks." Briton Raducanu, 18, lost to Belarus' Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets at Indian Wells last week in her first match since winning the US Open title at Flushing Meadows. The world number 22 said she was disappointed with the defeat by Sasnovich but needed to "cut herself some slack". "The experiences that I'm going through right now, even though I might not feel 100% amazing right now, I know they're for the greater good... in the bigger picture, I'll be thanking this moment," Raducanu said. She is scheduled to play in events in Romania and Austria before the end of the season.
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA (REUTERS) - American teenager Coco Gauff has urged US Open champion Emma Raducanu to be wary of social media following the Briton's maiden Grand Slam triumph at Flushing Meadows last month. Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a major, has since gained thousands of new followers on social media, setting up an account on Chinese microblogging site Weibo to keep in touch with fans in that country. Gauff, who shot to fame as a 15-year-old when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2019, urged the 18-year-old Raducanu to take time away from her phone. "It is exciting when you get all the retweets, all the follows and all of that, but it can be a bit overwhelming. At least in my experience. That's probably what I wish I would've known, not to focus on social media," said the world number 19. Roger Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam champion, also recently suggested that the next generation of tennis stars like Raducanu needed help to prevent abuse on social media affecting them. "I put a time limit on my phone because I thought I was spending too much time on it. From 8.30am to 9.30pm I have limited access to apps," Gauff added. Gauff and Raducanu will be in action this week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which returns after two years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
BUENOS AIRES (REUTERS) - Belarusian Daniil Ostapenkov, a teenager who had not played a professional-level match before, stunned world number 15 Diego Schwartzman 6-4 6-3 in their World Group I Davis Cup match against Argentina on Saturday (Sept 18). The 18-year-old became the latest young gun to cause an upset following a US Open where teenagers seized the spotlight and 18-year-old Briton Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title. Ostapenkov fired down three aces and saved seven break points to defeat Schwartzman on his home turf at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, although Guido Pella levelled the tie at 1-1 with a convincing win over Erik Arutiunian. Slovakia completed a 3-1 victory over Chile with Norbert Gombos thrashing world number 17 Cristian Garin 6-0 6-1 for his second win of the tie in Bratislava. The Slovaks must now wait to see whether they are automatically into the February qualifiers to reach the 2022 Finals. Norway were also triumphant with Casper Ruud’s 6-3 6-1 victory over Sanjar Fayziev handing them a 3-1 lead and keeping alive their hopes of reaching the 2022 Finals. The eight highest ranked winners from the World Group I ties will go into the Davis Cup qualifiers next February where they will attempt to qualify for the 2022 Finals. The other four nations will contest an additional knockout round in November with the winners entering the qualifiers. South Korea guaranteed a place in the qualifiers as they overcame New Zealand 3-1. Finland completed a victory over India although they must wait to find out whether they are automatically through to the qualifiers. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: 'Focusing on what I had to do' helps teen qualifier Emma Raducanu win US Open Related Story Tennis: Who are US Open teen sensations Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez?
LONDON (REUTERS) - British sports personalities from Andy Murray to Marcus Rashford rallied to the defence of teenage tennis sensation Emma Raducanu on Tuesday (July 6) after suggestions she quit her debut Wimbledon because she could not handle the pressure. The previously little-known 18-year-old, ranked 338 in the world, was the last of 14 British players standing in Wimbledon after three superb wins that had fans on their feet. But she was forced to retire against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in their last-16 match on Monday with breathing difficulties. American former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe suggested while commentating for the BBC that the occasion "got a little bit too much" for Raducanu, while some others took to social media criticising her for bowing out while losing. The case drew comparisons with world No. 2 Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open after opening up on anxiety she suffered from media interviews after intense matches. Raducanu herself posted a message to fans on Tuesday saying she was feeling much better, congratulating Tomljanovic, and apologising for the premature end to the match. "I was playing the best tennis of my life in front of an amazing crowd this week and I think the whole experience caught up with me," she tweeted, saying she began breathing heavily and felt dizzy after some tough rallies at the end of the first set. "The medical team advised me not to continue and although it felt like the hardest thing in the world not to be able to finish my Wimbledon on the court, I was not well enough to carry on." Murray, another former Wimbledon champion, said some of the criticism was harsh and premature given nobody knew the specifics of her ailment. "No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely ... you aren't judging her mental toughness on yesterday's match," Murray added in reply to ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen who said successful athletes must simply "deal with" pressure. His mother Judy Murray, a tennis coach, went further with a withering tweet. "Middle-aged men should generally avoid commenting on the physical or mental well-being of teenage girls. They will NEVER experience or fully understand that world," she said. 'Proud of you' England footballer Rashford empathised with Raducanu, saying the same had happened to him in an Under-16 game. "I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again," he tweeted. "You should be very proud of yourself. The country is proud of you." It happened to me playing for the national team in U16s against Wales. I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again. You should be very proud of yourself. The country is proud of you. Glad to read your feeling better. Onwards and upwards 🎾🏴 https://t.co/sokkubBlLN— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 6, 2021 Until a month ago, Raducanu had not contested a match on the main WTA Tour and was just finishing school exams. After French Open organisers were criticised for their robust stance towards Osaka, Wimbledon authorities issued a sympathetic statement wishing Raducanu a good recovery and looking forward to future appearances in the tournament. "She should be commended for the poise and maturity she has shown," they added. Think this is a very harsh take on the situation Piers https://t.co/rGuWC5ScDT— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 6, 2021 No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely both of you aren’t judging her mental toughness on yesterday’s match?! https://t.co/83tLG5F9ca— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 6, 2021 Raducanu's last-16 opponent, Tomljanovic, also said criticism was unfair. "I can't imagine being in her shoes at 18, playing a fourth round in your home country," she said. "I have experienced something similar but not to that extent. I know that it's a real thing." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Britain's world No. 338 Raducanu in Wimbledon wonderland Related Story Tennis: Pliskova blasts 'brutal' critics after storming into first Wimbledon semi-final But Wimbledon semi-finalist Karolina Pliskova said pressure was always going to be a factor once Raducanu took the wildcard, meaning she was likely to be on a big court with home fans. "You just need to cope with that pressure," she said after making it through to the semis on Tuesday. "(When I was) 18, I was still a kid. She also came from nowhere... Some of these girls, let's say Coco Gauff - I think she's ready for all of this. (It) helps if you're raised like a star." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Former champion Kerber eases past Muchova into Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka outguns Jabeur to reach Wimbledon semi-finals