Emma Raducanu told she can ‘draw a line in the sand’ by Tim Henman before US Open defence

Russian-state TV delights in Emma Raducanu's new Russian coach

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Tennis icon Tim Henman has told fellow Briton Emma Raducanu that she can ‘draw a line in the sand’ after her US Open victory last season and build for her future in the sport. Raducanu has spent her first year on the ATP Tour circuit since her remarkable run to fame at last year’s US Open, becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam tournament – aged just 18.

The British No1 has had a rollercoaster 12 months hampered by injury problems culminating in second round defeats in all three of the other majors – admitting that at times she has felt ‘really low’. Henman who, during his whole career failed to make a Grand Slam tournament final, says that the world number 13 has had an ‘incredible’ year of tennis and needs to build for her future. 

In an interview with Tennis 365, he said: “She will have had an incredible 12 months from winning the US Open and going back to defend her title. Then it’s almost as if she can draw a line in the sand and build for the future. 

“I think she has played some really good tennis this year. There is no question about her ability and mental fortitude. The one area where she needs time and we have to be patient is the physicality and understanding what Tour life is all about. There is masses to be excited about and it is all about being patient.” 

Raducanu had just finished her A-level studies when her whirlwind rise to stardom began at last year’s US Open. The Bromley youngster came through three qualifying matches and seven main-draw matches without dropping a set to win last year’s US Open. 

The astonishing run saw the teenager rise from No.338 to world No.21, becoming a household name overnight in the process.  Henman has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s attitude this season amid a host of setbacks.

DON’T MISS: 

  • Emma Raducanu’s stunning Cincinnati run ends with Jessica Pegula loss as US Open looms
  • Emma Raducanu ‘relieved’ to rediscover US Open form with Brit confident for title defence
  • Emma Raducanu opens up on ‘biggest thing’ which has helped US Open star recapture top form

He added: “She should get back there (US Open) and really enjoy it. What she achieved coming through qualifying to win a Grand Slam was one of the most incredible things I’d ever seen in tennis. I was so fortunate to be court-side over those three weeks and she’s had a steep learning curve from there.  

“It hasn’t been straight forward and she’s had plenty of adversity, but I’ve been so impressed with her attitude. She sometimes gets knocked down, but she dusts herself off and gets straight back up, she embraces those challenges and she has learned an enormous amount.”

Source: Read Full Article