"Sometimes you wonder how is this possible" - Emma Raducanu laments injury-marred unlucky run, but highly cherishes 2021 US Open win

Emma Raducanu opened up about going through an extended run of bad fortune, one that has been dominated by multiple injuries, among other things, ever since her incredible US Open title victory in 2021. Raducanu lamented the same, suggesting that she often fails to believe that she has had such a long unlucky run. However, the Briton tennis star chose to look on the bright side.

In her first tournament since the Australian Open, Raducanu has found form, winning consecutive straight-set matches to move into the Round of 32 at Indian Wells this week. After a first-round win against Danka Kovinic, the 20-year-old beat Magda Linette 7-6(3), 6-2 on Saturday.

Thankfully, Raducanu has been able to play freely so far this week, with no signs of any fitness-related or other issues affecting her performance. Speaking after Saturday's match, Raducanu looked back at her time on the WTA tour post the 2021 US Open, which she won as an 18-year-old qualifier. During a press conference at Indian Wells, Raducanu stated:

"Yeah, I mean, sometimes you wonder, like, you think, like how is this possible."

Having said that, the world No. 77 is a staunch believer that one creates their own luck. Amidst the difficulties, Raducanu admitted that she has also had some good fortune come her way, the biggest example of which was her 2021 US Open run, a title she "wouldn't trade for the world."

"But then very quickly I think you create your own luck. It works both ways. I won the US Open as well, and I think I also have to take the bad luck sometimes, because also, like, good fortune has also come upon me. I think that I wouldn't trade that title for the world."

The London resident suggested that through all the challenges, it cannot be forgotten that she is a US Open champion.

"Yeah, I'm just prepared to take whatever it takes, knowing that I have that in the bank."

Raducanu will face 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the third round on Monday.

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"I'm really just cherishing every time I get to step out on the match court" - Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu competes against Magda Linette at Indian Wells 2023

Emma Raducanu is off to a great start in the Indian Wells tournament, but she is relishing the opportunity to compete again more than anything else. The British player admitted that she was unable to train as much as she had hoped prior to the tournament, and even questioned whether she would be able to play at all during the lead-up.

"I mean, this tournament I had so little practice in the last few weeks, that really playing the matches has been a bonus and a win. I'm enjoying competing again."

However, now that she is playing and doing well, Raducanu is savoring every moment on the court.

"Yeah, I think this feeling of competition definitely beats, you know, being sick or injured or out. So I'm really just cherishing every time I get to step out on the match court."

Raducanu will aim to continue the winning momentum over the next week and in the process climb up the WTA rankings. She has also received a main-draw wildcard at the Miami Open, which begins soon after Indian Wells. The Brit star has already matched her Indian Wells result from last year and has very few points to defend in Miami as well.