Tennis: Raducanu admits need for improvement after latest defeat
Emma Raducanu says she needs to “get my head in the game” ahead of Wimbledon, after suffering a narrow defeat in the second round of the Eastbourne International.
The 22-year-old came close to pulling off a stunning comeback against Australia’s Maya Joint but eventually lost in a final-set tie-break, 4-6 6-1 7-6.
Raducanu, who had earlier revealed she received “some pretty bad news” before the tournament, looked less sharp than usual on court and admitted she was tired.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t get over the line today, but I’ll try to rest ahead of next week,” she told the BBC. “I feel quite tired and I’m just going through some stuff. I need to do my best to get my head in the game ahead of Wimbledon, which starts in just four days.”
She added she plans to take Thursday off and hopes to return to practice on Friday. Raducanu also said her recurring back spasm continues to be a frustrating issue, as it comes and goes unpredictably.
Despite her struggles, Raducanu showed great fight. She was down 5-2 in the final set but managed to break Joint three times to force a tie-break. The British No 1 then led 4-3, but Joint won four points in a row to seal the win and move into the quarter-finals.
“It was a really tough match with lots of ups and downs,” Joint said. “I’m just happy I could fight through and get the win.”
Elsewhere in Eastbourne, Jodie Burrage became the second British player in two days to miss match points against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. Like Harriet Dart the day before, Burrage had chances to win but lost in a tie-break after leading 0-40 on the Czech’s serve at 6-5 in the final set.
In the men’s draw, Dan Evans scored a big win against world No 13 Tommy Paul. The 35-year-old Briton won 6-4 3-6 6-3 and will face American Jenson Brooksby in the quarter-finals. Evans is aiming to rise back up the rankings after a difficult spell.
British lucky loser Billy Harris also continued his impressive run, beating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-3 6-4. However, British No 2 Jacob Fearnley is out after losing 6-3 6-1 to Marcos Giron.
