Emma Raducanu went straight to the practice court after losing her first match of the new year on Tuesday, Express reports.
Raducanu lost to Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in 2 sets: 6-0, 6-1. The round of 32 match only took 55 minutes, The Guardian reports.
Raducanu had to take a break from training when she tested positive for COVID-19 in December. She told The Guardian she did not play for 21 days in total. She has only recently begun to play full points.
“It’s tough but it’s good because I’m very proud and happy that I put myself out there,” Raducanu said of her defeat, according to The Guardian. “I could have easily said it’s too soon and just play next week, but I wanted to really test where I’m at and obviously give myself some competitive points and matches. I think this will help in putting me in a better place for next week.”
The teen tennis sensation struggled with her serve throughout the match. According to BBC Sport, she worked on her serve right after the match. She says she’ll keep moving forward.
“I mean, at the end of the day I just want to keep putting myself out there,” Raducanu said, according to BBC Sport. “Even if I keep getting knocked down, it’s just about getting back up and basically just falling in front. You’re one step better. You learn more.”
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