NEW YORK: Emma Raducanu was in the Arthur Ashe stadium earlier in the day for a hit. It was empty at the time and she went about her business. Before the start of her US Open fourth-round match the 18-year-old sat back and took in the scenes the volume and the vibe.
Raducanu, 18, ranked 150, who made her way through the qualifiers here, wrapped up a 6-2, 6-1 win over American Shelby Rogers to make her first quarter-finals where she plays the Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
“It did feel different going out there with a crowd, all of the lights, displays on the board. It took some adjusting,” Raducanu said. “I was soaking it all in, trying to enjoy the moment. It's something that you dream of, to play on Ashe, the biggest court in the world. I didn't expect to be here so soon.”
Raducanu, just the third qualifier to reach the US Open women’s singles quarterfinals in the Open Era, was cheered on by Virginia Wade, who won the title in 1968.
“We had Virginia Wade in the front row,” Raducanu said. “I saw her, I spoke to her a little bit after the match. It’s really cool to be able to speak to such legends, get their tips.”
The Briton is mentored by Andy Murray. “Andy is such an inspirational person,” Raducanu said. “The amount that he's achieved, the amount he can do with his racquet and skill. To have him believe in me, support me, it means a lot.”
