Despite returning to the big stage at the US Open, where she won her maiden Grand Slam title in 2021, there were question marks over Emma Raducanu’s bizarre choice of tournaments. In between the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open, she played in just a solitary tournament, while missing the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open. Nonetheless, Raducanu is in her preferred territory now and is looking to find her lost mojo back at the Korea Open. However, the path only gets tougher for the British star going forward.
Raducanu will face the eighth seed, Yue Yuan of China in the round of 16 match. The 21-year-old Raducanu will have to be at her best if she is to dig deep in the tournament.
Emma Raducanu vs Yue Yuan: Preview
The British star was sidelined for months last year due to ankle and wrist injuries. She made a comeback earlier this season, with an aim to be back among the top players in the world. However, Raducanu has failed to live up to the expectations in 2024, having an inconsistent run in the tournaments. She is yet to reach the final of a tournament this season, let alone winning a title.
Amid the poor run, there was a small ray of light at the Wimbledon Championships, where she reached the pre-quarterfinals, defeating players like Maria Sakkari and Elise Mertens en route. But she hasn’t carried the momentum forward.
While Raducanu has struggled for form this year, it has been a contrasting season for Yuan. She won her maiden WTA title at the ATX Open earlier this season. Subsequently, she achieved her career-best ranking of Number 36 on the back of some consistent displays. The Chinese star is the eighth seed in the tournament and will look to carry on the momentum in the Korea Open.
Raducanu vs Yuan: Head-to-head
Both Raducanu and Yuan are still young and have a long way to go in their respective careers. While Yuan was rising on the WTA Tour, Raducanu was sidelined with injuries. As a result, they haven’t come up against each other before. The Korea Open second-round encounter will be the maiden meeting between them.
Prediction: Raducanu set to overpower Yuan
“I thrive in Asia. It’s where I truly feel like home. So I’m buzzing for that trip even though it’s at the end of the year. I’m looking forward to going out there and trying to take it,” Raducanu said in the lead-up to the Asian swing. She has found the most success in this part of the world, winning 3 ITF titles.
Talking about their rankings, Yuan lies inside the top 50 at the 40th spot while Raducanu is placed 30 spots below her at the 70th position. However, Emma Raducanu has a slightly better win percentage in 2024 than her opponent, winning 60% of her matches this season, as opposed to Yuan’s 55%.
Statistical factors kept aside, we all know how much Raducanu loves to play in Asia. As a result, it won’t be a surprise to see her return to her best and she is expected to beat Yuan in straight sets. Their match takes place on the Center Court tomorrow.
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