Emma Raducanu has admitted that the 11am start time at the Australian Open is ‘very early’ after he 7-6, 7-6 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova on Tuesday morning.
Start times for the first Grand Slam of the year have caused controversy, with Frances Tiafoe among the stars to complain.
The American, speaking after his victory over Arthur Rinderknech, said: “It’s a tough time.
“We played for four hours. All of lunch we are playing through it.
Emma Raducanu has admitted that the 11am start time at the Australian Open is ‘very early’ after he 7-6, 7-6 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova on Tuesday morning
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“We ate at 10am. I mean, playing 11am, three out of five, wasn’t too happy about that, to be honest with you. I feel like it’s really tough to prepare.
“I ate just rice and chicken. Brought from last night. I didn’t really know if the restaurant was going to be open.
“I threw up all electrolytes and water. Wasn’t like food in the tank was the issue.
“Neither was the heat, really. The heat is a little different here than what everyone is accustomed to. Look, man, things happen. It’s been funny all the things I’ve been getting tagged with since then.
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“It’s part of game, man. Got to be ready for all things, got to be willing to lay it all out there.
“My post-match recovery? Horrible. It’s been terrible.”
And Raducanu has now admitted she’s found the 11am start time ‘very early’, while also revealing it stopped her from eating her favourite pre-match meal of salmon as a result.
Speaking after her victory over Alexandrova, she admitted: “It’s a very early wake-up.
“I think for me, I struggle to eat when I open my eyes first thing.
“I actually was pretty light this morning. I just had some berries and a coffee before I practiced.
“After practice, I just had toast, like plain toast with honey and banana. Pure carb-loading.
“I couldn’t stomach some rice and salmon. I’ll be sure after this to get my salmon intake for the day.”
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Emma Raducanu is in agreement with Frances Tiafoe when it comes to the Australian Open start times
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Raducanu seemed to be in good spirits after her win.
And the tennis star has admitted she was relieved because her serve had a ‘mind of its own’ during her clash with Alexandrova, having conceded 15 double faults.
“I’m not sure what I changed in my serve today,” she continued.
“I think it had a mind of its own. I will be sure to reflect, look at that and come back to you.
Emma Raducanu was impressive in her first Australian Open match on Tuesday morning
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“I think in the first set I was hitting a lot of good first serves. I hit a few aces.
“At the same time, I was hitting a double fault. I was quite accepting of that: ‘OK, I’m at least going for it’.”
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