Tim Henman makes a bold Emma Raducanu claim as he suggests her critics got it wrong

Kevin Palmer 25 May 2025 10:47 AM

Tim Henman and Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu missed most of the 2024 clay court season and much of that decision was by choice.

The 2021 US Open champion was criticised for skipping clay court events ahead of the French Open, with the negative comments ramping up after she opted out of playing in qualifying at Roland Garros.

Her decision to focus on the grass court swing of the WTA Tour was justified as she reached the semi-finals in Nottingham, the quarter-finals at Eastbourne and the last-16 at Wimbledon.

Yet her approach has been very different this season, as Raducanu has turned in some impressive performances on clay courts and opted to play in an extra tournament ahead of the French Open as she competed in Strasbourg.

Her active season and impressive performances over the last couple of months have silenced some of his vocal critics, but Henman insists those who have written off the 22-year-old have misjudged the quality Raducanu brings onto court.

More Tennis News

Emma Raducanu fighting her biggest phobia amid worrying French Open injury update

Emma Raducanu given verdict on her ‘ceiling’ by former world No 1 ahead of French Open

Henman has been a big supporter of Raducanu since her memorable US Open win almost four years ago and he told Tennis365 that her form in recent weeks on clay courts is evidence of her growth in all areas of her game.

“I’m not surprised the results have been coming for Emma in the last few months because she is a very, very good player,” states Henman, speaking at a TNT Sport and discovery+ event ahead of Roland Garros.

“If she wasn’t good enough, you’d say she has to pick her tournaments and play some weaker events. With Emma, I have never thought that. If she stays healthy, I was always convinced the results would come.

“The physical and technical attributes she has always possessed mean she can play well on any surface and the element I’ve noticed the most in terms of improvement is that she is getting much stronger with the physical training she has been doing.

“I also love the fact that she has been out on the match court week in, week out and playing a busy schedule. She’s doing all the right things and now it’s about continuing that for two years, three years and five years.

“What is good is that she has invested that commitment and she has been getting the rewards. Sometimes it can take time for success to come. The fact that Emma is such a good player means we are seeing the results and progress come quickly for her.”

Raducanu suffered a back injury scare during her defeat against Danielle Collins in Strasbourg, but she is hopeful of being fully fit to play at Roland Garros.

“I felt it after the first round,” she said after a three-set defeat against Collins. “Yesterday I just tried to manage it, like, I got treatment. I was pretty stiff and sore. I’ve had back problems before. At the start of the year I was out for a few months because of it.

“Yeah, it’s annoying and it’s frustrating. I get these spasms and they’re quite intense and can last for a long time. I’ll just try and make it better.”

Raducanu also suggested her confidence was growing on clay courts after some good displays over the last few weeks.

“I think I’ve been building towards this,” she added. “I had three great matches in Rome and to bring that level here, I’m really proud.

“As I spend more time on clay, I’m starting to like it more and more and building my relationship, let’s say, with the surface.”

Watch every moment of the French Open live and exclusive on discovery+