Raducanu raring to go for rest of the grass season after run to Nottingham semi-finals – Eurosport

Emma Raducanu insisted she is fit and raring to go for the rest of the grass season after reaching the semi-finals of the LTA’s Rothesay Open in Nottingham.

Raducanu lost to British No.1 and defending champion Katie Boulter 6-7(13) 6-3 6-4 in an enthralling encounter between the pair, bringing an end to a solid return to the grass after almost two years away.

The 21-year-old did not drop a set in her other two matches and revealed she would be ready to play again tomorrow, as she saluted the hard yards she has put in away from the court this season ahead of the rest of the British summer on grass.

“I feel really good. After the match I went and did intervals, I feel strong,” she said.

“I feel like I could play tomorrow. I am just shaking off a bit of a bug and a cold but physically I am fine.

“I just feel fit, I feel strong. I didn’t pick up any niggles. Even at the start of this year, just gaining that match fitness and being able to day after day, it’s a good position for me to be in.

“Feeling a little fatigued but being in the latter stages of a tournament. There’s no point being super fresh if your out first round every week.

“I have come a long way. I physically feel really good. That block has just allowed me to do more work, more fitness.

“I am starting to trust my body a lot more. I wouldn’t say I am the finished product at all but I am getting there.”

Raducanu edged a first set following a mammoth tie break on Saturday before rain forced the rest of the match to be finished on Sunday.

Boulter was able to come out firing and eventually take victory as Raducanu struggled with her serve amidst blustery conditions in Nottingham.

But the 2021 US Open champion was pleased with her performance against her in-form compatriot and will now turn her attentions to the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne tournament later this month.

“I thought it was a really competitive match, it was pretty high level,” she added.

“It was for me a good start to the grass court season. It was nice to get some matches. Obviously I am disappointed but Katie played, and served in particular, really well.

“It was quite difficult because there was a lot of cross winds. I have come along way serving wise since earlier on in the year when I remember vividly playing with just a second serve.

“So for me to have almost three matches of high-quality serving, free points, it’s progress. It’s not going to snap into place overnight.

“I loved my experience here in Nottingham, it was my first time doing the tournaments here for a longer period of time.

“The organisers did a great job with the tournament and made it really comfortable for the players.”

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website