MUBADALA CITI DC OPEN

July 31, 2024

Emma Raducanu

E. RADUCANU/P. Stearns

7-6, 6-2

(Transcribed from WTA recorded audio.)

Q. (Question regarding coming through the match with a win.)

EMMA RADUCANU: Yeah, I'm very pleased with how I managed to come through that. I think it was two very different conditions: super lively, then a lot heavier. I think these conditions really suit her. She was playing really good tennis.

I'm really pleased to have found a way through the first set, then raised my level in the second.

Q. That storm arriving at such a crucial time at the end of the first set, how did you refocus and come back?

EMMA RADUCANU: Yeah, I think I actually did a pretty good job of getting a set point. She broke me to go 5-All. I then refocused really well in the breaker. It's really difficult when it happens at a time like that. Just have to keep playing.

Also the conditions were very different at that point. You just have to take it a point at a time because your mind can very easily run away from you.

Q. (Question regarding the crowd support.)

EMMA RADUCANU: I honestly felt like I was at home. That was unbelievable. I really felt the love here in DC. I do love DC. I'm really, really pleased to be able to play here another match, play with amazing support. Such good patience from the fans waiting for two hours to watch us play.

Yeah, I'm really grateful to feel the love here in DC.

Q. A word on your potential opponents.

EMMA RADUCANU: Yeah, obviously very good friends with Paula. I know she's such a good tennis player. I practice with her. She's hitting the ball really, really big, really good. Liudmila I played two years ago here in DC. She's actually had a great year, is seeded here.

It's going to be a really tough match whoever I play. I think I've done such a good job to own my position in the quarterfinals now. I think whoever I play, I'd like to see myself as the underdog because I have less experience. They're a bit older than me, both of them.

I'm just so pleased to be in the quarters, building some momentum.