SINGAPORE — As the Lunar New Year approaches, Emma Raducanu is eager to kick off the Year of the Snake in style, taking center stage at the inaugural Singapore Tennis Open. With her fresh momentum gained from a promising start to the season, Raducanu is set to dazzle local fans in a city she fondly considers a second home.

This tournament marks a significant return for professional tennis to Singapore, which has not hosted a top-level event since the WTA Finals ran from 2014 to 2018. Raducanu is not a stranger to this vibrant city-state; her past visits have fueled excitement among her supporters, especially a memorable appearance in January 2022 at a local tennis club.

Raducanu's connection to Singapore runs deeper than tennis. Born in Canada and of Romanian and Chinese heritage, she expresses a profound appreciation for the country’s unique blend of East and West. In an interview regarding her upcoming participation, she stated, "I'm extremely excited to be in Singapore. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, so it means a lot that there’s a tennis tournament here."

Her fondness for Singapore is evident. "When I landed here, I felt at home because it reflects who I am," she added, highlighting how she can embrace both Mandarin and English during her visits. As she competes, Raducanu also plans to honor her Chinese roots, combining her career pursuits with the celebrations of the Lunar New Year.

With her mother accompanying her and plans to reconnect with friends, including her best friend from Singapore, Raducanu strikes a balance between her professional ambitions and cherished personal relationships during this festive period.

Despite facing challenges since her stunning US Open victory in 2021, where she made history as the first player in the Open Era to claim a Grand Slam title as a qualifier without dropping a set, Raducanu remains optimistic. "Of course, it’s going to come with the territory," she remarked about the pressure from expectations. She wisely approaches them as both challenges and privileges, maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement.

As Raducanu sets her sights on 2025, she envisions a season filled with tournaments, hoping to compete at all the Grand Slams while striving to build a consistent and sustainable career. "I’m extremely excited for this season. It feels like I’ve started well, and I’m looking to build on that momentum," she concludes, ready to take on whatever challenges come her way at the Singapore Tennis Open and beyond.