Raducanu reveals how Osaka and Tsitsipas defeats inspired incredible US Open run

Emma Raducanu has explained how the young tennis players dumping out the likes of Naomi Osaka and Stefanos Tsitsipas has given her extra motivation at the US Open.

The 18-year-old thrashed Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-0 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the US Open as her dream run in her New York debut continues.

Her impressive showing came shortly after two other major upsets – 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez dumped out reigning champion Osaka in three sets, while third seed Tsitsipas was defeated in five sets by rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

And Raducanu says both of those matches urged her on to complete quite the impressive showing against Sorribes Tormo, dropping just one game.

‘I think that to have so many young players coming through is just really great for the game, because it just shows how strong this next generation is,’ she said.

‘I think we all inspire each other to play better. For me today, I wanted to join them in the second week as well, so that was an extra bit of motivation.

‘They are very, very nice people. I’m very happy for them, and also very happy for myself that I can also go into the second week.’

Raducanu’s rise to prominence started at Wimbledon earlier this year as she withdrew at the last-16 stage.

Having now reached the same stage in New York, the talented Brit claims she’s playing better tennis than her Wimbledon adventure.

‘I think the last year and a half really I haven’t competed much, so nothing has entirely prepared me for playing in front of many, many people,’ she said.

‘But I think that by not playing I just realised the hunger and determination to be out there. I’m extremely fresh. This whole experience is just so new to me. I think it’s the enjoyment factor that I’m getting.

‘I think I’m playing better tennis here than at Wimbledon. Of course being on the hard courts, they’re less forgiving than grass.

‘I think with the amount of matches I have played and the experience that I have accumulated in the last four, five weeks, my game is just getting better with each match. I’m excited to keep going here for as long as possible.’

Raducanu will now face Shelby Rodgers in the last-16, who beat world No.1 Ashleigh Barty in the previous round.

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