Emma Raducanu was asked about the prospect of facing some of the top singles players from the men’s side in the upcoming mixed doubles event at the US Open. The Brit, who is partnering Carlos Alcaraz at the New York Major, spoke about one particular opponent whom she felt could challenge her.
“Ben Shelton’s Serve, That Scares Me” — Emma Raducanu Speaks About US Open Mixed Doubles
A journalist asked the 2021 US Open Singles champion about the opportunity to play top singles guys from the men’s side, and she responded by saying:
“I think curious is a particular one. I think I’m most scared to play certain shots.”
This was followed by a question about which players scare her, and Raducanu said:
“Honestly, I think, like, Ben Shelton’s serve, that scares me. That’s probably one in particular. And then obviously all the guys. It’s like very difficult to return their serves.”
Ben Shelton’s serve is known to be one of the most powerful in the sport. During a recent match at the ongoing Citi DC Open, he accidentally struck a fan with one of his serves.
Raducanu then spoke about her excitement for the event in the press conference, adding:
“But of course I’m very excited. It’s such a unique opportunity, and I think, you know, a lot of the females will probably be feeling the same way. Returning the guys’ serve is quite difficult.”
The World No. 46 was then asked about 6’11” Reily Opelka’s serve, and she said, “Yeah, yeah. He’s serving from a stepladder. It’s incredible.”
On Monday, the US Open announced on X that 25 teams had submitted their entries for the mixed doubles event. Apart from Alcaraz and Raducanu, notable pairings included Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud.
Emma Raducanu To Take On Anna Kalinskaya in Citi DC Open Semifinal
Former World No. 10 Raducanu will take on the current World No. 48 Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinals of the Citi DC Open on Saturday. Raducanu is coming into the match after beating Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari. The Brit is yet to drop a set during the tournament.
Kalinskaya has also not dropped a set en route to the semifinals, and she defeated eighth seed Magda Linette and fourth seed Clara Tauson to make her way to the semifinals. Kalinskaya and Raducanu have not had any prior encounters on the WTA Tour, and whoever out of the two wins, will face either third seed Elena Rybakina or Leylah Fernandez in the final of the WTA 500 event.
