Wimbledon run has 'fuelled the fire'
Britain's Emma Raducanu says an encouraging Wimbledon run has "fuelled the fire" to continue her upward trajectory over the rest of season.
Raducanu, 21, was beaten 6-2 5-7 6-2 by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the fourth round on Sunday. It was a disappointing exit after a series of dominant performances had heightened excitement at the All England Club, reports BBC.
But, having reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since winning the 2021 US Open, Raducanu reflected positively on the past week.
"I feel good about things going forwards. I feel optimistic," said Raducanu, who is set to move back inside the world's top 100 next week. Raducanu, who was given a wildcard for the All England Club, was outplayed for much of a fascinating contest.
Having won six matches in a row on the SW19 grass, Sun oozed confidence and hit a flurry of winners. Raducanu wrestled back momentum by winning the second set but lost serve early in the decider shortly after needing treatment following a fall. The opening game of the third set was stopped and she received treatment - on her leg and back - while laid out on the court.
Having missed last year's Wimbledon after having operations on both wrists and her ankle, she added: "Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon.