Emma Raducanu has “no doubts” she can compete with the best after a gallant defeat to seventh seed Coco Gauff at the Australian Open.
The British number one rolled her ankle just 13 days before the second-round match, necessitating the use of crutches and a protective boot.
“To go toe-to-toe with a player like Coco with so little preparation is a good achievement,” Raducanu, 20, said.
“My chances of participating in this tournament were extremely slim.”
Raducanu put world number seven Gauff, one of the tournament favorites, to the test, and had two set points to force a decider before falling 6-3 7-6. (7-4).
“I have no doubt,” Raducanu said when asked if it proved she could challenge the top players on a more regular basis. I was competitive today, despite having only five hours of practice in the two or three weeks since my last match.
“I have no doubts about what I can do when I’m fully fit. “I am aware of my capabilities.”