In a day’s time, 18-year-old US Open champion Emma Raducanu will make her first appearance at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California. More interestingly, it will be her first tournament as a WTA Grand Slam champion. Hence, expectations will be at an all-time high, with critics wondering, will she rise against the pressure or fall victim to it?

As per the teenager, she is optimistic about her game and is looking forward to changing nothing. Moreover, Raducanu also claimed that “thinking differently” is not going to help her. But it is indeed easier said than done.

More importantly, the Brit hasn’t won a single WTA Tour-level match so far. Therefore, it would be a unique challenge for her as she finds her permanent place on the Tour.

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Emma Raducanu on entering Indian Wells as the reigning US Open champion

Undoubtedly, the weight of playing a tournament as a Grand Slam champion is immeasurable. Considering Emma Raducanu‘s experience on the Tour, it seems even more frightening. However, confidence is the key, and the Englishwoman has enough of it.

“What got me to this point is not thinking anything differently,” Raducanu told the Guardian. “If I just put additional thoughts in my head, then that will just create a problem. I am just going to keep going on about my business and stay the same.”

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Naturally, Raducanu received enormous fame after her US Open glory. However, she remains her humble self, focused on what’s next for her on the WTA Tour.

“When I was at home, I still didn’t really go out,” Raducanu added. “I didn’t go to a restaurant or anything. I was just at home with my family, I got some really cool invitations. It felt nice to receive the support and everyone’s kind messages and kind words, but yeah, I didn’t really get too caught up in it. I just focused on my tennis and my training.”

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Who will Raducanu play against in Indian Wells?

Setting aside all being said, a showdown on the court awaits. Notably, Emma will begin her campaign against either Maria Camila Osorio Serrano or Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round. Raducanu could also potentially meet two-time Grand Slam champion and her icon, Simona Halep in the third round.

Do you think Raducanu will play pressure-free and go deep in the desert or will she sink to the weight of these expectations?

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