Emma Raducanu has ‘rekindled the love for tennis’ as Wimbledon preparations continue – Eurosport

Emma Raducanu said she has “rekindled the love for tennis” and is “enjoying the challenges” that come with competing in the sport.

“I’m very happy to have rekindled the love for tennis and just enjoying the challenges that come with it and not getting so down about it, just trying a way to go around.”

When asked if she had got her spark back, Raducanu replied: “I would say right before Nottingham it happened.

“I’m just really grateful to have this feeling again because it’s something that I feel like I’ve been missing in a way for the last few years, and I haven’t felt this good about my tennis and excited about it and passionate for a long, long time.”

Raducanu will face fellow former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in Eastbourne on Tuesday, as preparations continue for Wimbledon, which starts on July 1.

Alongside opting not to participate at this year’s French Open, Raducanu also opted out of the Paris Olympics in order to focus on her fitness.

She said she is in much “better spirits” heading into the grass major.

“I really feel like I’m in a lot better spirits on and off the court,” Raducanu said.

“Someone actually commented the other day – ‘Oh, it’s like you’re back to your old self’ – and I’d actually say, ‘No, it’s my new self’ because I have the experiences that I’ve learned from the past me, too.”

Raducanu will learn her first-round opponent for Wimbledon when the draw is made on Friday.