Emma Raducanu news: John McEnroe doubtful Brit can go far in French Open
Emma Raducanu is about to play in the French Open and is hoping injury won’t be getting in her way like it has done in most tournaments she’s played in this season so far, but John McEnroe is doubtful she’ll go far in Paris.
She managed to get to the second round of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, but she suffered with blisters on her hands so couldn’t continue in the competition.
Since then she’s dealt with hip problems and a back injury which have meant she’s not progressed very far in competitions on her first full year on the WTA Tour.
McEnroe isn’t full of confidence that Roland Garros is going to be the time when the 19-year-old can turn her recent form around.
“I’m not sure where she is physically or mentally right now. She obviously did something spectacular at the US Open and you try to, in some ways, replicate what she was feeling at the time to allow her to play freely,” the four time US Open champion told Sportsmail.
“That’s a lot harder now because the expectations are a lot higher so she has to find a group that can get her comfortable and allow her to train in a way that she understands and is good for her and be able to go on the court and feel some type of joy and happiness playing.
“That’s the trick, but there is no way to do that, or understand how to do that, unless you understand the person. That’s the job of a coach or people around her to get her to a place to do what she does best.”
The British sensation split with her coach Torbin Beltz in April, so she’s on the hunt for her fourth coach in a year, but despite this and her injury problems she’s feeling confident ahead of the French Open.
The US Open champion said: “I’m learning about my body for sure and I’m very happy to be continuing my preparations for the French Open and be able to play this tournament.
“It was definitely thrown into question but at the end of the day I’m just learning, feeling it out. I got the all clear to continue with preparations and see how things go.
“Last week after Rome I definitely had to slow down that week, but this week I have been training and luckily being able to practice all of the shots. It feels good to be able to move freely and just like run around, you know it’s quite fun.”
The French Open gets underway today and Raducanu plays her opening round tomorrow against Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Brad Gilbert addresses calls to ‘fix’ Coco Gauff’s forehand as he reveals his one coaching regret
“Not everybody is like Rafa that can make changes all the time. Andre was another one that liked to tinker.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev highlights Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘advantage’ – ‘I felt a little bit out of solutions’
“It’s tough. Mentally it’s not easy to play against this,” admits Daniil Medvedev.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”