"I want to play as many games as I can": Buoyed by being closer to her roots, Emma Raducanu sets about making up for lost time

Emma Raducanu will play tomorrow in the Last 16 of the Korea Open when she faces Yue Yuan for a spot in the Quarter-Finals. The Asian hard court swing though holds a lot of happy memories though for the Brit.

Raducanu being of Chinese descent means that this part of the season gives her a chance to move closer to her roots and also means more chances too for wildcards and acclaim. But the hope overall this week is matches.

She defeated Peyton Stearns to seal her spot in the Last 16 in two tight sets and after practicing with the American pre-tournament they were drawn together. But she is set to accomplish potentially her first mission of staving off any rust.

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“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.

She previously picked Wimbledon as her favourite tournament too but seemed to perform a U-turn on that verdict with her latest favourite pick. “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.”

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