Martina Navratilova feels Emma Raducanu’s 2022 season would have been considered a success if she wasn’t the 2021 US Open champion. Raducanu, 19, is playing just her first full season on the WTA Tour. This season, Raducanu has had some notable moments but has also been struggling a lot with her game.
But since Raducanu is a Grand Slam champion, massive expectations were placed on her despite her playing just her first full season on the WTA Tour. Last week in Cincinnati, Raducanu ousted Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka before losing to Jesisca Pegula.
Navratilova on Raducanu’s 2022 season
“She played well in Cincinnati. It was massive because, if she hadn’t won the US Open and she has the year that she’s had, she’d be pretty happy about it and the British press would be happy about it,” Navratilova told PA news agency.
“She’s up and coming and rising in the ranks. But, because she won the US Open the expectations went so high, and we saw how well she can play – it’s not even about the results, it’s why aren’t you playing anywhere near the level you played at the US Open? She couldn’t answer it but she started showing those signs in Cincinnati so she’ll be very relieved I think with how she played and let’s see how deep she can go.
Once you win a big one you’re a scalp for everybody to beat, people play better, a little extra oomph in their step and you’re looking over your shoulder. And then also they learn how to play you. It was amazing what she did.
She’s paying the price for it but I hope she can put it together because she’s definitely a huge talent”. Now, Raducanu is set to kick off her second US Open campaign. In the first round, Raducanu plays Alize Cornet.
