Emma Raducanu has reigned in expectations after pulling off her best career showing since winning the 2021 US Open, with the Brit ready to ease more cautiously into the spring clay season.
Raducanu failed to come up third time lucky against Americans in Miami, going down 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2 in a Masters 1000 quarter-final to fifth seed Jessica Pegula.
But instead of shooting straight through and trying her luck at next month’s clay Stuttgart 1000 indoor event, Raducanu will touch toes on the dirt at the more modest 250 level in Rouen.
While the French date won’t be easy, entering at a lower level might help in maintaining Raducanu’s growing confidence as she searches for a coach after parting ways with her sixth in four seasons this spring.
Against Pegula in Miami, Raducanu had to be treated on court after feeling unwell:
“I just felt really dizzy. I felt faint. I don’t know,” the 22-year-old said. “It was very humid out there and we have a long wait, so maybe just an accumulation.
“There were long rallies and heavy conditions. I don’t know how I kind of regrouped in that second set, but in the third I definitely struggled a little bit.”
Main photo:- Emma Raducanu to head for Rouen after Miami loss – by ISF Ltd
