Emma Raducanu could compete for the biggest titles in 2025 if she can manage to stay healthy, according to former ATP World No. 4 Tim Henman.
It seems that Raducanu's level was never in question. At the 2021 US Open, she proved to the whole tennis world that she could play tennis at an exceptional level, which is why she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title.
Since then, she has shown that level multiple times, but not consistently. The problem for Raducanu always seems to be related to her body, as the Brit often struggles with injuries.
Therefore, she rarely puts together a few good weeks of tennis, preventing her from climbing further than her current World No. 57 position in the WTA Rankings.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently, former British tennis player Tim Henman analyzed Raducanu's 2024 season, saying that the problem isn't her level but the lack of matches.
"I think one of her challenges has been staying injury free, likewise with Jack [Draper], there were a few injuries in 2024. I think for Raducanu, when you look at the volume of tennis that she played, when she was on the court she played very, very well and she finished at around 60 in the world."
According to Henman, if Raducanu can play more matches, she could certainly compete for the biggest titles, and very likely, also majors. She already has one in her collection, and there's certainly room for another.
"So, if she can increase that volume and she can play more of the bigger tournaments, I see absolutely no doubt in her ranking improving and in her competing for the biggest and best titles."
Although Raducanu is undoubtedly the biggest star of British tennis at the moment, mostly thanks to her 2021 US Open triumph, she's not the highest-ranked British player on the WTA Tour at the moment.
That title belongs to Katie Boulter, who currently sits in the World No. 24 position, and Henman was also asked about the 28-year-old Brit, who he predicts to break into the Top 20 in 2025.
"Top 20 I think. She has had a fantastic year. She has built up that physical resilience to be able to compete more. She played a full schedule and had some great results."
"I still think she can play better and bring a little more consistency to her game. I think top 20 is the obvious target for her."
Although Boulter would agree that making the Top 20 could be a goal for her, she will certainly be aiming even higher, as making it to the Top 10 is certainly a possibility for her.
Ahead of the Australian Open, Boulter will play a very heavy schedule, as she chose to compete at the United Cup, and she also appears on the entry list for the Adelaide International.
Raducanu, on the other hand, has only the ASB Classic on her schedule before moving to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12th, 2025.
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