British tennis ace Emma Raducanu endured a glum walk in the rain just two weeks after her US Open first-round exit at Flushing Meadows.
Raducanu previously stormed to a shock debut Grand Slam title in the States three-years ago, but has been largely struggling with injuries ever since.
The 21-year-old was tearful as she departed the US Open and has largely kept a low-profile since returning to London in the wake of her most recent defeat at a major tournament.
Raducanu is still waiting for her first victory at the overseas competition since winning the title in 2021 – her only Grand Slam final victory.
The British weather has left much to be desired over the weekend and the Canada-born tennis champion dressed appropriately as the rain drizzled across England’s capital.
Adopting a grey overcoat and pink shorts, Raducanu carried a hot drink through the streets while remaining incognito as she passed by several buildings and street lamps.
Raducanu was playing in her first competitive match since August 2 when she was eliminated from the US Open by Sofia Kenin as she continues to step up her competitive time spent on court.
She explained after the loss how a lack of playing time wasn’t the ideal preparation heading into the glamorous competition that previously made her champion.
I would have preferred to probably play a little bit more before coming into the US Open,’ admitted Raducanu.
‘I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything’s automatic. So yeah, I think I can learn from it and manage my schedule slightly differently.’