Emma Raducanu was quizzed on her performance after beating Daria Kasatkina
Emma Raducanu played on the front foot during her victory over Daria Kasatkina.
Emma Raducanu disagreed with a question during her post-match interview after breezing past Daria Kasatkina in Strasbourg. The young Brit looked assured as she cruised to victory in straight sets, beating her Australian rival for the very first time. It saw Raducanu maintain her impressive form on clay after reaching the fourth round of last week’s Italian Open.
Raducanu made a flying start and took the first set in rapid fashion, with Kasatkina being made to pay for her repeated mistakes. The latter came back fighting in the second set but Raducanu was undeterred and held firm to close out the match. She managed eight break points in total, which was largely down to the aggressive style of play she adopted.
In her post-match interview, Raducanu was asked if she thought it was a straightforward victory but disagreed with that notion as she reflected on how she performed.
“I didn’t necessarily feel that way,” replied the 22-year-old. “I knew I was playing Daria, a great opponent. I’m proud of my performance, how I came out and was aggressive.
“I’m also [proud of] how I maintained my focus in the second set when Daria played some great points when I was trying to serve the match out.”
Raducanu has traditionally struggled on clay but appears to be warming to the surface under the guidance of Mark Petchey, who has agreed to coach her until the end of the grass-court season.
Quizzed on whether it was her best performance on clay to date, Raducanu said: “I think I’ve been building towards this. I had three great matches in Rome and to bring that level here, I’m really proud.
“As I spend more time on clay I’m starting to like it more and more and building my relationship, let’s say, with the surface.”
Raducanu was not expected to compete in any more events before next week’s French Open, but decided to accept a wildcard in Strasbourg to acclimatise to the clay.
“It’s a beautiful city and I’m happy to be here,” she added. “I wanted to make the most of the wildcard so that was extra motivation for today. I’m happy to extend my stay for another round.”
The former US Open champion will be looking to maintain her impressive form on clay when she faces Danielle Collins in the next round on Wednesday. More victories will help to boost her confidence ahead of the French Open, where she will be out to impress.
