Emma Raducanu has divulged that seeing her level improve “in practice first and then in matches” would make 2024 a successful season for her.
The Brit recognised translating her level from practice to matches “will take some time to apply” once it improves and also revealed she would “love to win a title of any grade” this year.
Raducanu is competing in her third tournament of the season at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi this week, where she received a main draw wildcard.
The current world No 296 will face 36th-ranked Marie Bouzkova in the opening round of the event on Monday. The 21-year-old would then face second seed and world No 6 Ons Jabeur if she reaches the second round.
Raducanu was beaten in three sets by Wang Yafan in the second round of the Australian Open last month in just the second tournament of her comeback.
The 2021 US Open winner returned from an eight-month absence in Auckland at the start of January following surgeries on both her wrists and her ankle last year.
The former world No 10 also reached the second round in Auckland – where she produced an encouraging display in a three-set loss to eventual finalist Elina Svitolina
In an interview with The National, Raducanu addressed what would represent a successful 2024 campaign for her and expressed her desire to win any tournament.
“For me, success would be seeing my level improving in practice first and then in matches,” the Brit explained.
“I know that when my level will be there, putting it into a match will take some time to apply. But I know that seeing the level increase, that results will follow. Also, I would love to win a title of any grade.”
Former world No 27 Laura Robson was encouraged by Raducanu’s performances in New Zealand and Australia and expressed that the key for her fellow countrywoman is staying fit and building confidence.
“Emma showed real promise as she beat Shelby Rogers in the first round of the Australian Open. I think she’s playing much more aggressively again, which is fantastic,” the former British No 1 told Sky Sports.
“She played a really great match in Auckland, then it was great to see her back it up at a Grand Slam, even as she was edged out in three sets by Wang Yafan. She just needs time and matches, and I know she’s entered Abu Dhabi and planning to play a full schedule.
“So, I feel like only good things are coming for Emma and even though she was sick on court, she competed really well. She was mentally very tough and those are the things that matter most.
“She seems in a much happier place. She said that playing without pain was like having the backpack taken off, which is a really great point that I loved because it really felt like that on the court as well.
“She had a smile on her face. She was playing more aggressively and just not worrying so much about the result and enjoying the fans, just being in the moment a bit more, which is always a challenge in a tennis match.”