Emma Raducanu declared the Asian swing as the “time I look forward to the most” on the tennis calendar and the Korea Open her favourite week of the year, snubbing Wimbledon despite most British players having a certain affinity for the grass Grand Slam.
The British No. 2 reached the second round of the Korea Open with a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) victory over American Peyton Stearns, her first victory since July. Aside from a sizable rankings jump, the 21-year-old will have seen her morale boosted by beating someone she knows so closely on the tour.
Raducanu and Stearns practised together before competing in Seoul, where the Asian swing kickstarts ahead of an exciting period for Raducanu. Not only can she get a string of tournaments under her belt, but also enjoy competing during her favourite time of the year, even more so than Wimbledon.
“This is my first time playing in the Asian swing, and it is also the time I look forward to the most during the season,” Raducanu said in her post-match press conference. “It may be because of my birth (Raducanu’s mother is Chinese), but I am especially looking forward to playing in China for the first time.
“Because of the environment I grew up in, the atmosphere here is comfortable, and I think it will be an advantage for me. I want to play as many games as I can.
“Also, I played in the Korea Open for the first time two years ago, and I remember the hospitality I received at that time, and this week is my favourite week of the year. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t show you a good game at the time, but I really like Korean food, so I’m enjoying my time in Seoul, eating until I’m sick of it.
“I also like Korean dramas, and I enjoy watching them during my break. But the plot always seems similar, so I feel like I already know what’s going to happen next. Still, they’re perfect for killing time.”
Earlier in the year, Raducanu claimed that Wimbledon’s All England Club was “the best venue to play at” and her “favourite Major” to the Sky Sports Editions series, but seemingly prefers to compete at the Korea Open even more.
The statement is unlikely to endear her further with the British support, having already upset many at SW19 this year by pulling out of the mixed doubles event with Andy Murray in what would have been the last time he competed at Wimbledon.
Raducanu drew criticism from Judy Murray at the time, but in contrast, appears to be living large in South Korea after an opening-round victory over Stearns.
