Tim Henman has offered a positive assessment of Emma Raducanu’s 2024 season ahead of the US Open, rating her performance an 8.5 out of 10. The former British No. 1 expressed admiration for Raducanu’s resilience and progress following a challenging 2023, during which she underwent triple surgery and missed significant time due to injury.
Raducanu, who famously won the US Open in 2021 as a qualifier, has been gradually climbing back up the rankings after her return to the WTA Tour in January. Notably, her victory over Jessica Pegula at the Eastbourne International in June marked her first career win against a top-10 opponent, and she also reached the last 16 at Wimbledon after defeating Maria Sakkari.
Henman highlighted Raducanu’s improvements in her service motion and her more aggressive approach, particularly on return of serves. He also praised her performances on clay earlier in the year, where she won four consecutive matches, and her strong showing during the grass-court season.
Reflecting on her season so far, Henman remarked, “She’s played a lot of very good tennis. I like the way she is playing… I think she looks fitter and stronger and her movement is good.” He emphasized the importance of long-term planning in Raducanu’s development, acknowledging the impact of her previous injuries but viewing them as an opportunity for her to build physical strength and resilience.
Henman also expressed a cautious outlook on Raducanu’s chances at the upcoming US Open, suggesting that while she could face a tough draw, the primary focus should be on her continued improvement rather than immediate results. He concluded, “If Emma Raducanu is a better player after the US Open than she is now, then that will be a successful few weeks.”
Emma Raducanu in 2024
LLWWLWWWLW Ranked no.72, the Brit played her last match on the 2nd of August when she lost to world no.37 Paula Badosa 4-6 7-5 6-4 in the quarter in Washington (draw).
Until now, during this year the Brit has managed to achieve a composed 18-11 record. Emma Raducanu’s best result of the current year was reaching the semifinal in Nottingham.
Emma Raducanu will compete against the world no.50 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their record is 1-0 for Tomova.
She is also scheduled to play in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Tennis Open). The main draw will start on the 28th of October.
Emma Raducanu |
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