Emma Raducanu says she is entering the remainder of the year with the mentality that “everything is a win” as the Briton can only gain points in the remainder of the season and not lose.
Last year, Raducanu came to Madrid and her name appeared in the main draw but she then withdrew at the last moment citing a wrist injury. Shortly after, Raducanu had surgeries on both wrists and an ankle.
Now, Raducanu is back to Madrid and set to face 82nd-ranked Maria Lourdes Carle today in her opener at Caja Magica.
Last week, Raducanu made the quarterfinal at a WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart before losing to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. By reaching the Stuttgart quarterfinal, Raducanu improved 80 spots and started this week ranked at No. 221 in the world.
With a good Madrid run, Raducanu could easily return to the top-150 in the world or even the top-100, depending on how far she makes it.
Emma Raducanu © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Raducanu on her mindset for the remainder of the year
“The altitude here, it doesn’t catch you as off guard,” Raducanu told Sky Sports.
“It’s always going to be different, but at least you can expect it and you know where things are, which always helps – you know where the stringer is, the gym is, everything, where to find the food. That’s where it does come in handy, but I think I’m just trying to freshen up physically as much as possible.
“This was the last place I came to last year before surgery and I pulled out on site, and then I had surgery and missed the next eight months.
“For me, it’s like now I have zero to defend for the rest of the year, so everything is a gain, everything is a win. Thinking how far I came since last year is a great thing.”
Emma Raducanu © Getty Images Sport – Aurelien Meunier
When Raducanu kicks off her Madrid campaign today, it will be her second appearance at the tournament. In her debut two years ago, Raducanu won her opening two matches before losing to Anhelina Kalinina in the round-of-16.
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