Wimbledon: Emma Raducanu's run has 'fuelled the fire'

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Emma Raducanu says her Wimbledon run has "fuelled the fire" as she looks to return to her best form. Raducanu, who stormed to a shock US Open win in 2021, has endured a difficult few years.

Yet she looked strong in her opening three rounds at Wimbledon, dumping out Maria Sakkari en route to a tie with qualifier Lulu Sun on Sunday (July 7). However, with the odds in her favour, Raducanu failed to deliver as Sun prevailed 6-2 5-7 6-2 to claim a surprise victory.

With Aryna Sabalenka having withdrawn and both Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek also crashing out over the weekend, a path to glory might have opened up for Raducanu.

Instead, she is aiming to use an encouraging run at the All England Club as motivation for the rest of the season.

"I feel good about things going forwards. I feel optimistic," said Raducanu. "As bitter as it is to take, I think [this defeat] happened for a reason.

"You don't want things to happen too easily and too quickly. I had that before. I don't necessarily want just a massive spike.

"Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon.

"Of course I'm disappointed. Of course, I want more. It fuels the fire and makes me more hungry."

Raducanu has received some criticism, though, for withdrawing from the mixed doubles event on the eve of her match with Sun.

That withdrawal marked the end of Andy Murray's farewell Wimbledon appearance.