‘I don’t know if that’s smart or not’ says Emma Raducanu as Brit tennis ace reveals strange habit
EMMA RADUCANU revealed that she is a “night owl” after beating Maria Sakkari in Dubai.
The British tennis star, 21, snapped a four-match losing streak by beating the Greek 6-4 6-2.
Raducanu was understandably in a jolly mood after winning her Dubai opener.
During her on-court interview, she revealed what she has particularly appreciated about the United Arab Emirates city.
She said: “It’s my first time spending a little bit of time here and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“What I love most is that everything is open late, and I’m a big night owl, so I can go for my walks at like 11pm.
“I don’t know if that is smart or not…”
The world No.61 had lost first round matches in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Qatar since reaching the Australian Open third round.
She was initially down to enter qualifying in Dubai, before being granted a wildcard into the strong field.
World No.29 Sakkari has proven to be a good opponent for Raducanu in the past.
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Raducanu beat the former world No.3 in the semi-finals on the way to winning the U.S. Open in 2021.
While she also knocked her out at Wimbledon last summer.
On why she tends to have joy against Sakkari, having won all six of their sets contested, Raducanu said: “In a way we play quite similar. She’s really athletic.
“I’m not necessarily going to give all my tactics away but it’s a very difficult match every time we play.
“I’m happy to have won on these occasions and very happy to get to the next round.”
Raducanu will next face former Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova in round two.
The Czech star comfortably beat Suzan Lammens 6-2 6-2 in her opener.
Raducanu has been working with Jane O’Donoghue in Dubai, having periodically turned to her former mentor when between coaches in the past.
Last month Nick Cavaday stepped down as Raducanu’s coach due to health reasons, with a permanent replacement yet to be appointed.
On Raducanu’s coaching situation, former star Laura Robson said: “I don’t think she’s going to rush into it.
“Just from an outsider’s point of view, I don’t think she would want to rush into it.
“It’s got to be the right person because I know if she goes for someone and then ends up changing them again quickly, everyone will go nuts.”