US Open champion Emma Raducanu reveals surprise incentive during stunning Grand Slam run

Emma Raducanu has revealed the surprise incentive she had during the US Open in September.

Raducanu stunned the world of tennis at Flushing Meadows when she became the first qualifier, male or female, to win a Grand Slam.

The 19-year-old stormed to victory at the US Open, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final to make history.

In an interview with Glamour, Raducanu discussed how she used routine to keep calm when under intense pressure, such as when competing in a Grand Slam.

“It varies depending on the tournament I’m at or the city I’m in, but I’ve definitely found some routines that really worked,” she said.

“So we’ve had a few routines like frozen yoghurt at the end of matches in New York. Or eating poke for dinner every single night for three weeks, because I didn’t want to change things.

“It’s more about finding small things like that. They just bring you a bit of comfort.”

Raducanu went on to explain just how much of an incentive frozen yoghurt was during the US Open.

“For me, when I was in New York, I really wanted that satisfaction of the walk to the frozen yoghurt afterwards. It was the highlight of my day, to be honest.”

Since winning the US Open, the pressure on Raducanu to perform at the highest level has only increased.

With the expectations of the world on her shoulders, the British star revealed just how important self-belief is.

“I think that self-belief is really important because tennis is such an individual sport and you’re out there on your own competing and fighting for every point,” she said.

“There are times when you may not be going through the best patches, but you’ve just got to keep working and trusting your journey.”

Raducanu was unable to replicate her US Open success at the Australian Open,