After recovering from a back spasm, Emma Radukanu announced that she is ready to compete with the best players of the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old pulled out of his scheduled warm-up tournament in Auckland last week with what he described as a back niggle but has been training at Melbourne Park this week.
During his pre-tournament press conference, Radukanu stated that the source of the problem is the spasm he got during training in London.
Radukanu’s confidence has been boosted by strong performances in practice this week
“I felt good,” he said. “I think the last 10 days I’ve had a positive block. It’s been good for me to get back on the court. Now I feel good and I’m ready give your best here.
“One morning I bent down to tie my laces. It really took a while to clear them. But this one takes a few days didn’t respond, I had to miss quite a few training sessions before I left, I couldn’t play in Auckland.”
It was another physical setback for Radukanu, who played just 10 matches since Wimbledon last year, missing two months with a foot injury before recovering in time to play Great Britain in the Billie Jean King Cup in November.
He won all three of his matches there and his confidence has been boosted by strong performances in practice this week.
“I’ve been playing sets with top players,” he said coming. I think I can be a dangerous competitor for anyone.”
Raducano Bard drew with 26th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrovawho he was due to play at Wimbledon last summer before the 30-year-old pulled out.
“It’s a tough draw,” Raducanu said of Tuesday’s contest was than me.”
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Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss the impact Radukanu’s new fitness coach will have and how it could improve his fitness
A new member of Radukanu’s team this season is renowned fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, the former US Open champion hopes to help improve his physical flexibility and reach his potential.
He does not expect overnight results, saying: “I think building a body is an ongoing process. I don’t think it’s something you necessarily put a schedule on.
“Like, ‘OK, I’m going to be a top athlete in a year.'” Even when you’re a top athlete, there’s always things you can do better : the court.
“I feel like I’m pretty reactive and explosive. I think that comes from my warm-ups not necessarily being warm-ups. I feel like I’m ready to go when.” I the court.
“As for how long it will take, I’m not sure. I trust his work and I trust his judgment.”
Boulter. That number is in my name for a reason
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Highlights from the epic United Cup clash between Katie Boulter and Iga Sviatek
The UK’s top female is Katie Boulter, who is ranked 22nd and is looking to continue her upward momentum.
Boulter is now targeting the top 10 and showed what a threat he can be to the top players by pipping world No.2 Iga Sviatek at the United Cup last week.
“Iga is one of the best in the game,” Boulter said. “I really felt like I could get over that line. I felt like I was pretty relaxed in that situation, which I haven’t always felt when playing massive players.
“I think that kind of mentality will help me win those matches. I really believe I can do it.
“I think that number is my name for a reason, I want to raise it higher and higher.”
Boulter, guaranteed home support following her engagement to Australian No. 1 Alex De Minaur, opens her campaign against Canada’s Rebecca Marino on Tuesday.
What’s next on Sky Sports Tennis?
- ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
- Dubai Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – February 16-22
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