Emma Raducanu sends cryptic three-word message to fans as she signs on camera after victory over Sloane Stephens

Emma Raducanu told fans she was going at “my own pace” after her straight sets victory over Sloane Stephens.

The 21-year-old Briton continues to find form after numerous injury setbacks and produced a stylish performance in the first round of the Eastbourne International.

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She cruised to a 6-4 victory in the first set, before recording a bagel in the second against the 2017 US Open champion.

And the youngster then issued a cryptic three-word message after setting up a clash against world number five Jessica Pegula.

Signing the TV camera lens, she wrote, “At my own pace,” along with a wink.

His message could be to respond to critics who criticized his decision not to participate in the Paris Olympics later this summer.

Raducanu also raised eyebrows from fans and experts following his choice to sit out the French Open.

Despite having undergone surgeries on her wrist and ankle last year, many feel like it was Raducanu’s wise choice as she progresses towards peak fitness.

Her decision appears to be working, as Raducanu reached the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open earlier this month, where she lost to compatriot Katie Boulter.

And the 2021 US Open champion continued her momentum all the way to the Eastbourne International, claiming victory over Stephens in just one hour and 17 minutes.

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Commenting on her emphatic performance, she told the BBC: “I think for me it was about adapting to the court.

“I’ve never played at Eastbourne and every pitch is a bit different. At first I was trying to find the best way to play and use my game.

“It was a very close first set. I was quite behind and I managed to break.

“It’s very difficult because Sloane is super athletic and she counterattacks very well. It took me a long time to hit her, but I managed to figure it out in the second set.

“I’m happy with how I managed to figure it out. I don’t think I was playing my best tennis and it’s just about accepting it and not letting it ruin your whole match.

“The balls get really heavy and slow and it was hard to get through it. I was just trying to move the ball.

“As the week goes on, I hope the backline and midfield toughen up because right now a lot of balls are dying.

“On hard ground it might be easier. It’s just about determining the surface, it’s the same for everyone.”