Last year, Emma Raducanu scripted a fairytale run as she lifted her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. Entering the tournament as a qualifier, Raducanu didn’t drop a single set en route to her biggest title victory. She defeated Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the summit clash to win the US Open 2021 title.

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However, ever since winning her biggest title, she has failed to deliver consistently on the WTA tour. Significantly this year, she has had early exits at the tournaments. The British star is currently in Cincinnati to participate in the Western and Southern Open. She heaped praise on her fellow tennis player, Andrey Rublev, during a recent interview.

Emma Raducanu praises the qualities of Andrey Rublev

At the ongoing Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, the players were in a positive mood as they exchanged compliments with their colleagues. Raducanu, praising Andrey Rublev, said, “Practicing next to Andrey Rublev and seeing how hard he hits the ball, it was funny because I was stopping to watch him practice and trying to hit my forehand that fast too.”

Further, she went on to add, “It sort of helped and I was hitting it bigger! Not Rublev big, though.”

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Rublev has been in good form this year, winning three titles in Marseille, Dubai, and Belgrade. Additionally, he has put on consistent performances across the tournaments this season. However, his campaign in Cincinnati ended as he went down fighting against Taylor Fritz of the United States in a three-setter thriller.

Raducanu bows out of the Western and Southern Open

Like Rublev, Raducanu suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Cincinnati pre-quarterfinals. She lost out to her American opponent, Jessica Pegula, in straight sets. In a match lasting an hour and 42 minutes, Pegula defeated Raducanu 7-5, 6-4.

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Earlier in the tournament, Raducanu had scripted memorable victories over two former World Number 1s, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Raducanu will look to come back strongly as she sets her sights on defending her US Open title.