Emma Raducanu ‘has what it takes’ to be a major winner with pundit saying ‘technically she’s ahead of Coco Gauff’
Emma Raducanu “has whatever it takes to become a Grand Slam champion”, according to Daniela Hantuchova with the Amazon Prime pundit saying she is “ahead” of fellow teenager Coco Gauff in terms of technical ability.
The 18-year-old Raducanu has enjoyed meteoric rise as she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon after being handed a wildcard entry for her maiden Grand Slam main draw. She then came through qualifying to book her place in the US Open.
The British youngster produced another mature display in the first-round at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday, beating veteran Stefanie Voegele 6-2, 6-3 to set up a clash against Zhang Shuai of China.
Thanks for making me feel so welcome! Very very happy to be into r2! https://t.co/3fUR5noRHe
— Emma Raducanu (@EmmaRaducanu) August 31, 2021
Former world No 5 Hantuchova is predicting big things for Raducanu and also compared her with 17-year-old American Gauff.
“Emma has it all, whatever it takes to become not only a top 10 player but I believe also a Grand Slam champion,” she told Amazon Prime, according to The Telegraph.
“There is not one part of her game where I would say ‘This needs to improve’. Unlike Coco Gauff, where I feel like technically she needs to improve a lot of things. Emma is ahead.
She added: “Technically there are no mistakes but also the mental strength she showed [on Tuesday], that is something very special.”
Exclusive – Annabel Croft on Emma Raducanu after her latest US Open qualifying win
Raducanu certainly had the Wimbledon crowd on her side during her fairytale run, but she has now also managed to capture the attention of those watching in New York.
“She really connects to the crowd. She is going to be able to gain a lot of energy from the fans all around the world,” Hantuchova said.
“As soon as she smiles everyone is going to be on her side. We saw it today [Tuesday], playing on a big court for the first time in America, everyone is trying to get photos with her. I can’t even imagine the future that she has in front of her.”
Latest
-
Tennis NewsStefanos Tsitsipas believes in the message of ubuntu
Stefanos Tsitsipas believes in the message of ubuntu.
-
NewsAndy Murray disappointed with his level after early exit on quicker Miami court
Murray was beaten in two sets by world number 76 Dusan Lajovic.
-
ATP TourRafael Nadal ‘confirmed’ for Monte Carlo Masters
Rafael Nadal looks set for a tilt as his 12th Monte Carlo Masters title.
-
WTA TourThis type of player could be the undoing of WTA’s big three
The WTA Tour is well set for star players right now.
-
ATP TourDeep-court Daniil Medvedev may tweak his game but don’t expect serve and volley
Daniil Medvedev still believes in his game.
-
WTA TourHas Iga Swiatek been figured out by top players
Iga Swiatek could use the break, according to Mats Wilander.
-
WTA TourIga Swiatek needs a plan to take down power players
Iga Swiatek isn’t in crisis but still needs a plan for power players.
-
Tennis NewsMiami Open prediction: Rachel Stuhlmann backs resurgent bad boy for title
The heavy balls and humidity could play into Alexander Zverev’s hands according to the tennis influencer.
-
NewsAndy Murray shot down by hard-hitting Serb in first-round exit at Miami Open
Lajovic secured a 6-4 7-5 win in one hour and 36 minutes.
-
WTA TourEmma Raducanu’s big injury concern after Bianca Andreescu defeat
Constantly shaking the wrist that has given her so much concern over the last year, it was clear that Emma Raducanu was in pain.