Emma Raducanu's success at the 2021 US Open came too early and left her unprepared for the following demands in the limelight, according to former British number one Greg Rusedski.
Raducanu's profile on and off the court sky-rocketed after her shock final victory over Leylah Fernandez at the 2021 US Open. But the early success has impacted her subsequent form, which continued this week after she withdrew from the 2023 Madrid Open and fell out of the WTA top 100.
In addition, Raducanu appears to be feeling the tension following increased media interest as she gave a guarded 58-word press conference before eventually withdrawing from the Madrid Open. Former player Rusedski took to his Twitter account to suggest that Grand Slam success came too early in Raducanu's career, which has had an ongoing impact.
"She did the hardest thing you can possibly do in tennis and win a major from qualifying, which we will never see again in our lifetime. Yes, there has not been a consistent team around her since her victory, which is unfortunate, but she was not prepared for global superstardom after winning the US Open."
Also, Rusedski believes that Raducanu is not enjoying her tennis currently because of the attention following her success at Flushing Meadows nearly two years ago. But Rusedski believes that the 20-year-old can get back on track if she remains focused on the right things.
"She has felt too much expectation ever since and pressure. The freedom and joy have unfortunately disappeared. I really hope she can find the love of the game she once had and enjoy her tennis. If she can get healthy, stay in the moment each day, [with] each practice, there is no reason she cannot get back to having a great career,"
"Unfortunately, too much success too early can be a very big burden to carry if you are not prepared for it. I really hope she can get back."
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