Home

Tennis

‘I Was Stopping to Watch Him Practice’ – Emma Raducanu Heaps Praise on Russian Tennis Star Andrey Rublev as They Practice Together

Published Aug 18, 2022 | 9:38 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.”

Trending

Roger Federer Turns Teary Eyed Over Wife Mirka Breaking 15-Year Long Silence for His Upcoming Documentary

Italian Open: Aryna Sabalenka Channels Her Inner Model as She Sports Chic Outfit Inspired by the Streets of Rome

Italian Open: Nicolas Jarry’s Wife Laura Conveys Million-Dollar Worth of Emotions in Single Moment as Husband Scripts History

Taylor Fritz’s Girlfriend Morgan Riddle Floored by Her Favourite Roger Federer’s Voice as She Lands in Geneva for ATP Event

Coco Gauff’s Coach’s Call for a Serious Action Backfires After Fans Use the Occasion to Criticize American’s Shortcomings

READ MORE: ‘People Might Look at Me Like I’m Crazy’ – Emma Raducanu Backs Herself Despite Backlash Over Coaching Changes

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.

USA Today via Reuters

Watch this story: Serena Williams graces the red carpet premiere of Thor Love and Thunder alongside husband Alexis Ohanian

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

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.

Written by:

Vatsal Shah

2,290Articles

One take at a time

Vatsal Shah is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. With a Bachelor's degree in engineering, he is a die hard fan of tennis and sports in general. He is an ardent follower of Rafael Nadal and is inspired by his never-say-die attitude.
Show More>

Edited by:

Tony Thomas