- Author, Jonathan Jurejko
- Role, BBC Sport journalist at Wimbledon
Britain’s Emma Raducanu says an encouraging Wimbledon run has “fuelled the fire” to continue her upward trajectory over the rest of the season.
Raducanu, 21, was beaten 6-2 5-7 6-2 by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the fourth round on Sunday.
It was a disappointing exit after a series of dominant performances had heightened excitement at the All England Club.
But, having reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since winning the 2021 US Open, Raducanu reflected positively on the past week.
“I feel good about things going forwards. I feel optimistic,” said Raducanu, who is set to move back inside the world’s top 100 next week.
“As bitter as it is to take, I think [this defeat] happened for a reason.
“You don’t want things to happen too easily and too quickly. I had that before. I don’t necessarily want just a massive spike.”
Raducanu, who was given a wildcard for the All England Club, was outplayed for much of a fascinating contest.
Having won six matches in a row on the SW19 grass, Sun oozed confidence and hit a flurry of winners.
Raducanu wrestled back momentum by winning the second set but lost serve early in the decider shortly after needing treatment following a fall.
The opening game of the third set was stopped and she received treatment – on her leg and back – while laid out on the court.
Having missed last year’s Wimbledon after having operations on both wrists and her ankle, she added: “Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon.
“Of course I’m disappointed. Of course I want more.
“It fuels the fire and makes me more hungry.”
‘Tough’ Murray decision was ‘right call’
Raducanu’s defeat came a day after she pulled out of a planned mixed doubles appearance alongside fellow Briton Andy Murray, citing “stiffness” in her right wrist.
Even though it was a sensible precaution – she had needed surgery on the same wrist last year – the move led to some criticism, given it denied Murray the chance to play again in his Wimbledon farewell.
Raducanu said it was a “tough” decision, adding she still stood by “making the right call”.
“With every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision,” she said.
“I don’t think I would have done it any other way.
“I think in this sport, especially as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself.
“Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”
‘A beautiful foundation for Raducanu to build’
Ashleigh Barty, Australian former world number one and 2019 Wimbledon champion, on BBC TV
I think this is a beautiful foundation for Emma to build from.
Her career has been back to front in a way. She flipped the script and went right to the top, won a Grand Slam.
This is her chance to use her experience but it’s also a restart.
You have to be accountable for your own actions and understand there are consequences and she’s comfortable with that.
I think she has a better life balance now and she’s enjoying her tennis.
She’s fit and healthy and building some continuity.