Emma Raducanu says she is going to at all times do issues “somewhat bit otherwise” as she prepares for simply her second US Open match since successful the title as a teenage qualifier in 2021.
The 21-year-old will play American fellow Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin within the first spherical on Tuesday, with sixth seed Jessica Pegula a possible second-round opponent for the winner.
Raducanu reached the fourth spherical of Wimbledon in July, however having opted to overlook the Olympics, has solely performed one match within the six weeks since.
“I actually needed to play in Toronto, particularly as a result of I used to be born there, however the turnaround was too tight for qualifying,” she informed BBC Sport.
“I might have needed to play on Sunday and I completed [in Washington] late Friday evening, so flying there and adjusting I simply felt was too tight.
“In any other case, I simply at all times do issues somewhat bit otherwise.”
Raducanu reached the quarter-finals in Washington, the place she misplaced to the eventual champion Paula Badosa.
With a visit to Toronto dominated out, Cincinnati was the following alternative to proceed a summer season run which has introduced 10 wins in her previous 4 tournaments.
However a wildcard was not forthcoming, and the world quantity 71 determined towards getting into qualifying.
She says she will not be averse to enjoying at that degree, though has not performed so since successful in New York three years in the past.
“I feel enjoying qualies will not be one thing that I’m towards, as a result of if you happen to get by way of these two rounds you are feeling you are adjusted to the court docket,” she mentioned.
“In case you’re enjoying a seed, you have got a greater eye for the ball, a greater really feel – it is not that I’m towards it in any respect.
“It was simply that I might have just about needed to wait round only for one match in qualies after which one other week off earlier than the US Open – so I feel it was a greater choice all of us made to only return and work on issues there.”
Raducanu’s rating could quickly be excessive sufficient to take qualifying out of the equation. And if she stays damage free, then anticipate her to play a great run of tournaments in Asia within the autumn.
Wildcards – ought to she want them – will probably be available in China due to her heritage, and together with her fluent Mandarin and the consolation she finds in her environment, it’s a good alternative to complete the season strongly.