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Emma Raducanu's huge admission in ugly Australian Open furore

Emma Raducanu, pictured here speaking to the media in London.
Emma Raducanu says she's happy to do whatever it takes to play the Australian Open. Image: Getty

Emma Raducanu says she's willing to do whatever it takes to play at the Australian Open amid an ugly row over quarantine conditions for tennis players.

Controversy erupted over Australia's strict quarantine conditions when the grand slam was played in February this year.

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Some of the world's leading players have suggested they might not make the trip Down Under if they're forced to complete the same quarantine period for the next Australian Open in January.

However US Open champion Raducanu, who became the first qualifier in tennis history to win a grand slam, said she's happy to comply with whatever is required of her.

The 18-year-old returned to training in London this week as she turns her attention to building on her spectacular grand slam breakthrough victory at the US Open.

She is yet to announce when she will play next but must decide in the coming days whether to request a wildcard into the prestigious WTA Tour event in Indian Wells beginning on October 6.

A strong pre-season is one of Raducanu's top priorities, after which she will play in just her third grand slam tournament when the first major of 2022 is held in Melbourne.

Organisers are yet to announce plans for the Australian Open, but with entry to the country still heavily restricted and Melbourne having been in lockdown for longer than any other city in the world, players seem certain to have to serve some form of quarantine.

That could mean players having to travel over Christmas, which Raducanu would have no problem with.

"Whatever needs to be done to be able to play the Australian Open, I'll do... ," Raducanu said at a Lawn Tennis Association event to celebrate Britain's US Open champions.

"I just want to be at the Australian Open, and I want to compete there.

"So, whatever it takes to do, I'll go."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pictured here playing tennis with Emma Raducanu.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, plays tennis with US Open champion Emma Raducanu. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for LTA) (Getty Images for LTA)

Emma Raducanu shrugs off suggestions of winning Aus Open

The teenager's extraordinary success in New York has catapulted her straight to the top of the women's game.

She is now ranked 23rd in the world and will have to get used to having a target on her back while she is still finding her way on the professional circuit.

"If I'm seeded, then I'm seeded, but favourite? I think one tournament, you can't really say I'm a favourite," she said.

"I'm still so new to everything."

Unlike her final opponent in the US Open final Leylah Fernandez, Raducanu did not have to beat a top-10 player at Flushing Meadows.

The teenager is eager to test herself against the likes of World No.1 Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka.

"I'm hungry to play anyone and I think that would be a really cool challenge," Raducanu said.

with AAP

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