"It’s like she has no breathing room" - Billie Jean King calls for less pressure on Raducanu
WTA
Tennis and equality icon Billie Jean King thinks former players, analysts, other members of the media, and fans should put less pressure on Emma Raducanu.
What Raducanu achieved at the 2021 US Open meant she became known worldwide. The Briton won the title at Flushing Meadows as an 18-year-old qualifier, one of the most unexpected runs in tennis history.
That led to unrealistic expectations being placed on Raducanu's shoulders, particularly from the British media. In reality, the teenager would always experience some difficulties after that success while adjusting to the daily grind of the US Open.
Raducanu's results in 2022 were inconsistent. Coaching instability might not have helped. Dimitry Tursunov became her coach after Wimbledon but left last month and now works with Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
Injuries have also disrupted Raducanu this year. She could not represent Team Great Britain on home soil in Glasgow due to a physical issue and is now focusing on preparing for the 2023 season.
Three-time Grand Slam champion and Raducanu's compatriot, Andy Murray, thinks last year's US Open champion would benefit from hiring a full-time strength and conditioning coach to prevent repeated injuries.
Jean King thinks Raducanu would also help herself by not paying attention to what others are saying, but also hopes the young star is given time and space to improve and adjust to the WTA Tour.
"First of all, you can’t pay attention to what anyone says about you. And don’t take anything personally. But then you’ve got to find the right person to talk to. And that’s the hard part because everyone has an opinion. It’s important for her to find out what she wants in life. She needs to search her own soul."
"Our job is to give her time and space. Let Emma decide what is best for her, not have everyone else deciding for her. Glean the information that pertains to her. I hope everybody just backs up. It’s like she has no breathing room. Give her some time to breathe, some space. She’s really young. Give her time.”
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MrMustard18-12-2024 - All that is said , all that is done. Nick has 0 grand slams wins. Everything else is hot 🥵 air.MrMustard18-12-2024
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