Indian Wells: Emma Raducanu says it has been “three very cool weeks” since winning the US Open
Emma Raducanu says it was “pretty cool” to receive congratulations from other Indian Wells players, but now is the time to get things in hand.
The 18-year-old US Open champion has a pass to the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in California as the 17th seed.
She will face Colombian Maria Camila Osorio Serrano or Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich in her first match since winning in New York.
“It’s really cool,” said the Briton of congratulations from her peers.
“All the players are very friendly. I’m still very new to the tour – so that’s pretty cool.
“But I didn’t really spend too much time hanging out. I just practiced and got about my business, and then I left.”
Since becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title, Raducanu has attended the Met Gala and the London premiere of the new James Bond film.
She added, “It’s been three really cool weeks. I got to experience some great things that I probably never would have had to do before.”
Raducanu is currently without a permanent coach, having decided not to extend his short, but incredibly successful, partnership with Andrew Richardson.
She is assisted at Indian Wells by Jeremy Bates, who works with British number six Katie Boulter as part of his role as national coach for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
“Jeremy is a part of women’s tennis in the LTA, so while he’s here he’s helping me,” Raducanu said.
“But in the future, I’ll just wait and try to find the right person. I’m not going to rush into anything. I want to make sure I make the right decision.
“I’m just looking for the general stuff in a coach, really. Someone you get along with and someone who can push you.”
