"I don't think there is any pressure, but everyone should be patient with me" says Emma Raducanu

There is not as much media buzz as when Raducanu was making her official return to tennis at the Indian Wells but the Brit still polarizes media wherever she goes. In her pre-event press conference, Raducanu was asked many things and the Brit tried to keep things in perspective. Asked about feeling pressure going into this event Emma said:

“I don’t think there is any pressure on me. I feel like everyone should just be a little patient with me. I am going to find my tennis, I just need a little bit of time. But I am really enjoying it. I feel like I am the same person. I still go out there, approaching the same as before."

Despite toning back the talk of pressure Raducanu did admit that she is feeling really good on the court and she feels like her tennis will be good. Confidence is not an issue as well as she explained:

“I am really enjoying my tennis right now. I feel it will be in a great place. In the long term, I know it will be up and down, the past few weeks I have learned a lot about myself. I am really excited for the next chapter. This end of the season and the next year I can play on the tour, like a full year, and that is the most exciting thing."

She also spoke about Halep whom she considered an idol growing up:

“Simona is an inspiration to me. I loved watching her from a young age. We have had a few short friendly exchanges. She has been really nice. Which I find really cool. It is amazing now I can play the same tournaments as her, see her around. I just find her really cool.”