US Open: Emma Raducanu delivers refreshingly honest verdict of her defeat

Emma Raducanu’s US Open title reign came to an end last night when she was knocked out in the first round of this year’s competition by Alizé Cornet.

It was an incredible start to the tournament for the Frenchwoman, who issued the champion her first ever defeat at Flushing Meadows.

Following her straight sets loss, Raducanu delivered a refreshingly honest post-match interview.

The 19-year-old, who will face a hefty drop in the world rankings as a result of her defeat, said she was sad her title reign had come to an end but  ultimately felt a wave of relief.

“Obviously it’s really disappointing, I’m really sad to leave here. It’s probably my favourite tournament,” Raducanu admitted. “But also in a way I’m happy because it’s a clean slate.

“I’m going to drop down the rankings, climb my way back up. The target will be off my back slightly.”

Ever since she made history in New York last year, Raducanu has kept her expectations of further achievements reined in.

She may have been catapulted into the limelight after winning last year’s US Open, but the fame that comes hand-in-hand with success does not appear to have clouded her judgement.

In fact, Raducanu has said on multiple occasions that the only pressure she feels on her shoulders comes from the media.

Indeed, as an overnight teenage champion, expectations from third parties soared and her form was being heavily criticised at times.

Since winning the US Open title, Raducanu has failed to make it beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament and she has also struggled with a series of different injuries.

The external pressure on the 19-year-old defending champion was enormous and Raducanu stressed she is almost glad it’s over so she can focus on her rise back to the top.

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