EYES ON THE PRIZE

Toronto-born Raducanu confident she can compete for another title

- BRIAN MAHONEY

Emma Raducanu has played fewer than 30 matches this year, but doesn't see that as a disadvantage heading into the U.S. Open. "I think I'd rather target tournaments and be ready to play the tournaments that I'm entered in," she said.

Emma Raducanu finished up practice at the U.S. Open on Friday by hitting with a young girl she asked fans on social media to help her find after they couldn’t connect a day earlier.

Raducanu is back at the tournament she surprisingly won three years ago, and she shrugs off questions about whether she has played enough matches to be ready for it.

Her 2021 U.S. Open title, when she beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final, is still Raducanu’s only one on the WTA Tour. She didn’t play in Flushing Meadows last year because of injuries. The 21-year-old from England has played fewer than 30 matches this year and passed up chances to be more active, but she doesn’t second-guess her preparation for the final Grand Slam of the season.