18-year-old qualifier Emma Raducanu admitted she was surprised by Belinda Bencic’s powerful punches, but she adjusted and managed to get away with a win. Raducanu, who ranks 150th in the world, continued their sensational US Open campaign on Wednesday.
The youngest victim on Raducanu’s list was Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic when the British beat the Swiss 6-3 6-4 to reach the US Open semi-finals. Raducanu won a total of eight matches at this year’s US Open.
To make it even more fascinating, Raducanu hasn’t lost a sentence at Flushing Meadows. “Belinda is such a great opponent and she is in incredible shape. Her ball speed took me by surprise when she hit the ball so hard that I had to adjust, it was a difficult game and I am happy to have won it,” said Raducanu in her interview after the tennis head game.
I have a great team here with me, they keep me in one piece, my team at home is great too. Thanks everyone at home, I wish you could be here. I’ve been 0-30 in my last couple of service games so holding was great.
I just tried to focus on every point, make the first serve and I knew Belinda would fight to the end. ”
Raducanu and Fernandez are surprises at the US Open this year
Fernandez, 19, has also taken several big wins at the US Open.
Fernandez, at number 73 in the world rankings, defeated Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Elina Svitolina on the way to their first Grand Slam semi-final. Fernandez will next play against number 2 seeded Aryna Sabalenka.
Raducanu is happy for himself, but also for Fernandez. “Having so many young players here who are doing well shows how strong the next generation is. Leylah is doing incredibly well. This is my own journey, “added Raducanu.
