Martina Navratilova, a tennis legend, believes that Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph in 2021 has become a hindrance due to the soaring expectations in Britain.
Raducanu, who made headlines by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021, went on to achieve a fairy-tale victory in New York later that year, becoming the first player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier at the age of 18.
Her triumph at Flushing Meadows occurred in just her fourth professional tournament, and she commenced her first full season on the WTA Tour in 2022.
After experiencing a series of coaching changes and injuries, including an eight-month absence following surgery on both wrists and an ankle last year, Raducanu has returned and is beginning anew in 2024.
Navratilova describes Raducanu’s journey since her incredible US Open victory as a mix of “good news, bad news.”
“The expectations have skyrocketed since her victory, which has made it challenging,” the nine-time Wimbledon champion shared with Sky Sports Tennis.
“It wasn’t a fluke because Emma has that level of skill. It wasn’t that she played exceptionally well and then suddenly couldn’t perform anymore. However, the pressure she’s been under since then, especially as a Brit, is constant and unavoidable.”
“It’s a significant burden to bear, but hopefully she’ll recover and, most importantly, stay healthy – that’s the key. By maintaining her health, she can build on her skills.
“It’s challenging to gain confidence and momentum from winning when you’re frequently sidelined by injuries. It creates a difficult situation where you can win with confidence, but you can’t gain confidence without winning.
“Hopefully, she’ll recover and stay healthy so we can witness her talent once more.”
Andy Murray recently expressed his frustration, feeling unheard, after indicating that he is likely to end his illustrious tennis career this summer. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, announced in Dubai that he is considering retiring after the Paris Olympics.
“It’s exhausting to deal with the press like that for Andy,” said 18-time major champion Navratilova. “I was asked about retirement since I was about 25 years old. Finally, in 1993, I announced that the next year would be my last. But I wish I hadn’t done that because every tournament became a massive farewell, and it was exhausting.
“They’d give you a key to the city or a picture, but it was exhausting. I ended up getting a Harley-Davidson – thank you, Virginia Slims. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t tell the press.
“I think Andy is doing the right thing by not telling them, whether he knows it or not. It’s easier not to tell anyone if you’re unsure about your decision. It’s frustrating when you’re not winning, especially when you’re used to winning.
“You’re putting in all the work and knowledge, but the results aren’t there for whatever reason. You can’t enjoy it as much, and it’s hard to stay motivated for mediocrity. Andy is not mediocre, but you feel that way when you’re ranked 40 or 50.
“When you feel like you can’t win the big one anymore, even though you’ve already won it, it becomes too frustrating. But Andy will retire on his own terms – there is no right or wrong way to do it.”
