Emma Raducanu returns to centre stage in Singapore... while training with coach

Emma Raducanu is learning that attempting to have a low-key practice session – wherever she is in the world – is no longer as simple as it once was, after fans flocked to watch the US Open champion at a small club in Singapore.

Raducanu confirmed on Wednesday that she will next play at the Abierto Akron Zapopan in Guadalajara, Mexico, beginning on February 21. In the meantime though she is in transit in Singapore, following her exit from the Australian Open last week and was spotted practising with her coach Torben Beltz at the Tanglin Club on Tuesday. Sure enough, the following day a crowd of 80 gathered – both on the club balcony and on the pavement on the other side of the fence – to watch the teenager in action.

Raducanu, 19, was seen hitting with local players, including Singaporean Davis Cup player Roy Hobbs, and got more of an audience than she banked on on Wednesday morning. Dozens of spectators stood around watching and taking photos, and there were reports the Tanglin Club had to set up a queue system to safely manage how many were gathered on the balcony, trying to sneak a peek of the star. When Raducanu left, she did not stop for photos or autographs with the crowd of fans, who waited eagerly by her van, but gave a big wave as she pulled away.

"Her agent said no photos because yesterday too many people asked already," one 13-year-old observer, Justin Hsieh, told AsiaOne. "But at least I got to watch her train and play a bit, and that was interesting."

The episode was further evidence of Raducanu's worldwide appeal since her breakthrough, including in Asia, where she has yet to play competitively but has strong roots owing to her mother, who is originally from China.

She was also embraced in Melbourne last week, which was her first major appearance since the US Open, though it ended disappointingly when she was hampered by a blister on her hand in her second-round match, and eventually beaten by Montenegro's Danka Kovinic.

She will be hoping for a full recovery and better fortunes in Guadalajara in February. It is an interesting choice for Raducanu, who despite her early success at majors is still embarking on only her first full season on tour.

In choosing Guadalajara, a WTA 250 event, she is likely eschewing the Middle East swing in Doha and Dubai, which play host to the more prestigious 500 and 1000 events in February. Instead, Raducanu will be looking to get a good run of matches under her belt in Mexico, and there is also the option of entering the nearby Monterrey Open, which is held the following week.