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Emma Raducanu raring to go at Madrid Open after returning from mid-season break

Briton returns after training ‘reset’ to Spanish capital event, which also features Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong, who faces 373rd-ranked Italian

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Emma Raducanu took a break after her Miami Open defeat by Jessica Pegula of the US. Photo: Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Emma Raducanu will return to action at this week’s Madrid Open after a mid-season break, and the former US Open champion has said she is benefiting from a more focused approach to the season.

The 22-year-old Briton pulled out of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers to rest following a run to the quarter-finals in Miami, where she needed medical attention during her defeat by eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.

Having opted for a training block instead, Raducanu is raring to go in the Spanish capital where she kicks off her campaign against Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens on Wednesday.

“I’ve realised now that less is more for me sometimes,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “I work really intense and really hard, and can definitely be partial to overkilling it sometimes.

“It’s just making sure when I’m on the court I’m maxing out for X amount of time so I can focus, and then once I’m done, I’m switching off better.

English former player Mark Petchey has been working informally with Raducanu. Photo: AFP
English former player Mark Petchey has been working informally with Raducanu. Photo: AFP

“You hear a lot that people need matches and I say the same thing. Matches definitely help, but there’s a time and a place. There are other times where you need to reset and get your bearings, because the season is very long.”

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