04 January 2023 , 11:02
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Emma Raducanu wants to replicate the kind of fearless tennis in 2023 that inspired her to a famous US Open triumph.
Raducanu 's fitness has also been prioritised as the Brit aims to bounce back from an inconsistent year derailed by various injury problems.
The world No 78 endured a gruelling first full season on tour after becoming an overnight sporting sensation by claiming her maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2021.
And a severe wrist injury proved the latest injury setback as the 20-year-old was sidelined for two months in October, abruptly ending her season. But Raducanu was able to utilise an extended off-season to focus on fitness training and is keen to reach a physical condition that can cope with the rigours of the WTA Tour.
"For 2023 my goal is to stay healthy for longer," she told WTA Tennis. "I'm looking forward to working hard because I've got a better idea of what to expect now. So I'll be less like a deer in the headlights.
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"For a results goal I'd say it's to win a title, and three I'd say is to be playing fearless tennis. Just not thinking about consequences. Just going for it."
Raducanu's time away from the court at the end of 2022 included a trip to Windsor Castle to be made an MBE by King Charles, and a visit to the World Cup final in Qatar.
But she also spent crucial hours striking a relationship with Jez Green, the former fitness trainer of Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, who she has now teamed up with.
Raducanu was made an MBE at Windsor Castle in the off-season (Getty Images)And Raducanu impressed in her first competitive match since October with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over talented teenager Linda Fruhvirtova in Auckland on Tuesday.
She showed early signs of progress with an aggressive approach in her rain-affected outing against 17-year-old Fruhvirtova, and has already credited Green for his impact on her game.
"Jez is really good, he’s obviously so experienced, he’s worked with some of the top players, he’s been there through the journey with a lot of players who were young and then developed into top, top pros,” Raducanu said at the end of 2022.
"It's amazing to have him in my corner and helping me out. We've just been focusing on strength, cardio and just improving all round."