Emma Raducanu intimidation tactic spotted by Clare Balding before Wimbledon clash
BBC host Clare Balding made an interesting observation before Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon match.
BBC Wimbledon host Clare Balding was won over by Emma Raduanu's pre-match routine as the wildcard took to the net before facing New Zealand star Lulu Sun in the fourth round.
The Brit was jumping very high as she stared down her opponent, as Balding made the point to pundits Tim Henman and Ash Barty that Raducanu was sending an early message.
Balding explained: “I am loving the body language already, ‘I can jump higher than you, watch me bounce I don’t even have a trampoline’, Emma Raducanu is definitely up for this.”
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However, the 21-year-old did not get the immediate impact that her actions perhaps set out to do as she quickly went a double break down to Sun and lost the first set 6-2, the first time she had lost a set in the entire tournament.
Raducanu was forced to withdraw from mixed doubles with Andy Murray on the previous day due to wrist soreness, but had removed any strapping in a bid to reach her first SW19 quarter-final.
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And the 2021 US Open champion will be able to draw on her experience on the main stage in order to come back against Sun, as Barty highlighted how Raducanu is used to competing in venues such as Centre Court and the Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows.
"Emma has the experience in big matches – a lot more than Lulu so she’s going to make sure she stays in touch," Barty said on commentary for the BBC. "She could just be doing a little bit more with those forehands."
But Raducanu always knew that she would be in for a tough test against the world No. 123. "She's kind of taken me under her wing," she said. "It's unfortunate we're playing her tomorrow. I actually warmed up with her a few days ago. She's an amazing person.
"Lulu I played in juniors with. I just know she's a very tough competitor, like everyone in this. You don't qualify and make fourth round if you're not extremely dangerous, beating the players she has.
"I'm expecting a really, really tough match. I think, as well, qualifiers are actually sometimes more dangerous. I'm really up for a battle, though."