Emma Raducanu has set her sights on glory at the US Open after crashing out of the Cincinnati Open in the third round.
She suffered a 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) defeat to Aryna Sabalenka on Monday after three hours and nine minutes.
Since becoming the first to win a grand slam title from the qualifying tournament at the US Open, Raducanu has not won a match in New York.
The British star was proud of her performance in the encounter while targeting a much improved outing at the US Open, which kicks off on August 18.
Raducanu said: “This is my first year on tour playing most of the calendar. 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.
Raducanu struggled with injuries, and she did not compete for four weeks in the build up to the US Open last year, where she lost in the first round to Sofia Kenin.
She said: “I went home and came back and it was a really difficult time in New York. Since I won the tournament, it’s not been easy for me there. But this year I feel different, I’m a lot calmer behind the court.
“On the court, I take more confidence in the big moments. I’ve been playing those big points pretty well for the most part so I’m looking forward to having some time to practise, improve and then get ready to play there.”
Similarly, Aryna Sabalenka praised Raducanu after the match, saying: “I’m happy to see her healthy and playing well again. She’s improving every time we play. She’s a great player and a lovely person. It was a really tough match, and I hope I get a rest day after this one.”
Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa have withdrawn from the tournament due to injury, meaning Raducanu’s live ranking of No 34 would be enough for a seeding at the US Open.
Raducanu reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 10 by the WTA. She was the 2021 US Open champion, and the first British woman to win a major in singles, since Virginia Wade at the 1977 Wimbledon Championships.
She is currently the British No. 1 in women’s singles.
