"After Mexico, pretty much everyone was like 'you're done'" - Emma Raducanu after 2R win at Indian Wells
Emma Raducanu beat France's Caroline Garcia 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 in the second round of the 2022 BNP Paribas Open on Friday. The win was Raducanu's first at Indian Wells and third since lifting the US Open trophy last year.
The Brit, who has only just recovered from a hip injury she sustained during her opening-round loss in Guadalajara last month, looked in control for most of the 90-minute encounter against the Frenchwoman.
In her post-match press conference, the 19-year-old revealed that people had dismissed her future in the sport following her recent string of poor results, particularly her early departure from Mexico. She further disclosed that she was nervous heading into the match as she had not played much competitive tennis in recent months.
"I mean, honestly after Mexico, I flew home, pretty much everyone was like, 'you're done'," the teenager said. "The match today, I'm not going to lie, I was a bit nervous going into it because I hadn't played many matches. I know I went out in my last match in Mexico, so I was pretty nervous. Today I just really wanted to play free and swing."
@EmmaRaducanu survives a topsy-turvy three set match over Garcia!First win in the desert 😀
🇬🇧 @EmmaRaducanu survives a topsy-turvy three set match over Garcia!
#IndianWells https://t.co/MNzgiRs0dl
The 19-year-old pointed out how people's expectations from her skyrocketed after her US Open triumph. She revealed, however, that up until last year, her goal for the 2022 season was to win a main-draw match at a Grand Slam.
"I feel like after the US Open everyone just suddenly expected me to win everything, and clean up everything I played," Raducanu continued. "But realistically before that, if you would have said to me last year, Emma, what is your goal for the year? I'd be like, 'Okay, I want to win one round in the main draw of a Grand Slam'. I did that in Australia. That to me last year would have made my year, to be honest."
The 19-year-old emphasized that it's important not to be influenced by others' negative opinions. She believes that patience is key as she adjusts to the competitive nature of the tour and that results will follow once she thoroughly experiences the "highs and lows" of the sport.
"What might be a poor result now in people's eyes, to me, it would have been a positive thing," the Brit remarked. "I think you need to keep reminding yourself of that, to not get sucked in. I feel like now people are starting to realize it's going to take some time for me to settle in. I feel like patience is a big thing. Once I settle in and go through all these highs and lows, I'll find some sort of equilibrium."
"Andy Murray is such a great role model for me and everyone, 700 wins is something I can just dream of" - Emma Raducanu
During the presser, Emma Raducanu was asked to give her thoughts on compatriot Andy Murray notching up his 700th career match win. A three-time Grand Slam champion, Murray beat Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel in the first round at Indian Wells to achieve the feat.
Raducanu described the former World No. 1 as a "class" player and recalled how nervous she was during a practice session with him. With just a handful of wins in her young career, the 19-year-old joked that she can only dream of bagging 700 victories.
"It's incredible. I think Andy is such a class player," Raducanu said. "The way he can put the ball in places that you just don't want. I think that's a real great skill to have. He has been supportive, for sure. I know one time when I was practicing, I managed to hit with him. I was so nervous. I was moving my feet so fast just to try and keep up."
"I think he's a great role model for me and everyone, from the UK, and also across the world. 700 wins is something I can just dream of. I think I've won three now, so I have a long way to go," she remarked.
The 11th seed will take on Croatia's Petra Martic in the third round of the 2022 BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.