Andy Murray's mother, Judy Murray, is optimistic about Emma Raducanu's prospects regardless of how far she goes at this year's US Open.
Raducanu stunned the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open. As a qualifier, the teenager did not drop a set throughout the tournament to secure one of the most unexpected triumphs in tennis history,
Understandably, the adjustment from being known primarily in her home country of Great Britain to becoming a worldwide name has not been easy. Her results since that moment have been inconsistent.
The 19-year-old did produce some good tennis at the Cincinnati Open before the US Open, though. Raducanu defeated Serena Williams, who announced her retirement earlier this month, in the opening round of the 23-time Grand Slam champion's penultimate event.
That was followed by a win against two-time Australian Open champion and three-time US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka. The Briton's run was ended in the round of 16 by Jessica Pegula.
Raducanu will face the dogged and determined Frenchwoman Alize Cornet in the opening round of the 2022 US Open. Writing in the Telegraph, Judy Murray thinks the defending champion suffering an early exit could be good for her in the long term.
“There is no doubt she has the capability to astound us all again but if she were to make an early exit at the US Open, and drop back down the rankings, I firmly believe it could be the making of her"
Murray also wrote about the pressure Raducanu has faced since winning the US Open. Learning how to manage that is something players have to learn.
“What she did last year was totally unexpected, and what has followed has been an absolute baptism of fire in terms of learning how to handle everything that goes with becoming a major champion on and off the court."
“Being in the public eye is not easy for anyone and the constant recognition, expectation, praise and criticism — not to mention the demands for your time — have been never-ending since she won. Her world literally changed overnight.”
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