Emma Raducanu attributes her recent strong performances to adopting a more relaxed approach to the game.
The 22-year-old former US Open champion secured her place in the Miami Open quarter-finals with a dominant victory over Amanda Anisimova, winning 6-1, 6-3.
Prior to the Miami Open, Raducanu had experienced a string of losses, losing six of her last seven matches.
Adding to the changes, she recently parted ways with coach Vlado Platenik just after a single match working together.
Following a difficult period earlier in the year, Raducanu has rediscovered her enjoyment for tennis, both on and off the court in Miami.
After defeating Emma Navarro, the eighth seed, in the third round, Raducanu, the British No.2, explained her improved form: “I think this week I have been trying to keep it more relaxed, I would say, not necessarily being in the zone 100 per cent of the time.”
Raducanu revealed that incorporating other sports into her training regime has played a role in her improved mindset. “Just, like, I’m learning how to throw an American football, so that has become my warm-up,” she said.
She described her new warm-up routine as being like “sports day,” including activities such as American football, soccer, cornhole, and sometimes golf or kick frisbee.
“That’s been keeping me entertained, but it’s also a great pulse raiser, because I find it easier to put more effort in when we’re playing American football and running to catch it rather than running in a straight line. It’s a lot more fun,” Raducanu added.
She believes this “different approach” this week is beneficial. “I think five minutes before the match I was playing spike ball with the team. It helps me to relax. When I'm playing my best tennis I'm really expressing my personality.”
“I'd say I'm a bit of a free spirit so I don't need restrictions or being told what to do. I think when I'm being really authentic, that's when I'm playing my best.”
Since splitting with Platenik, Raducanu has been collaborating with her childhood coach Jane O'Donoghue and Mark Petchey, who previously worked with Andy Murray.
Reflecting on her progress after the win against Anisimova, Raducanu stated, “I’ve come a long way in the last week.”
“Since Indian Wells, I wasn’t necessarily feeling great about my tennis, about everything, but this week I have some really good people around me who I trust, who I have fun with off the court as well. That’s extremely important I think.”
“For me, who’s very expressive, when I play my best I’m definitely authentic, true to myself and creative.”
“I feel when I’m boxed in into a regimented way, I’m not able to express myself in the same way. So I’m happy with how I realised that this week as well.”
Raducanu`s strong performance in Miami is expected to propel her back into the world`s top 50 rankings.
If she defeats Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals, she could potentially break into the top 40.
