Emma Raducanu insists the ‘unforgiving’ world of tennis leaves no room for nostalgia as Britain enters a new era without Andy Murray.
‘No matter who you are, it just moves on,’ Raducanu said ahead of the US Open, the first Grand Slam since Murray retired. ‘It’s old news the next day.’
The 21-year-old controversially pulled out of the mixed doubles with Murray at Wimbledon, a decision that ended the Scot’s career at SW19.
Murray took his final bow at the Paris Olympics, meaning this US Open is the first major since 2005 without him at the helm of British tennis.
But Raducanu said: ‘It doesn’t feel different at all. Tennis is unforgiving in that sense. No matter who you are, it just moves on. There is always another match, there is always another tournament.
Emma Raducanu insisted it ‘doesn’t feel different’ without Andy Murray at the US Open
The US Open marks the first major since Murray announced his retirement from the sport
‘Of course Andy has achieved amazing things and I watched him win this tournament (in 2012) but it is a fast pace, just like life is. It’s old news the next day kind of thing.’
Raducanu is back in New York, three years on from her incredible US Open victory. She is among six British players in the singles, with Jack Draper (25) the highest seed.
They are joined by Dan Evans, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jan Choinski, the British No 11 who has qualified for the main draw for the first time.
Several face tough opening-round matches, including Raducanu who takes on America’s Sofia Kenin.
But the 21-year-old said: ‘I think the Brits are doing really well right now… we are all pushing each other, we are all competitive. You see other ones doing well and you want to do the same.’
The 21-year-old will take on America’s Sofia Kenin as she looks to repeat her 2021 success
Raducanu, who missed last year’s US Open, admitted she still hadn’t ‘come to terms’ with her 2021 win when her title defence ended in the first round. ‘I feel very proud when I come here,’ she added.
‘Walking past my photo every day, walking past my name on the trophy every day. I think that is such an epic achievement.’