‘Emma Raducanu could become one of the best players in the world’, says tennis legend
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander proclaimed that Emma Raducanu could become one of the best players in the world after the Brit’s opening-round win at the 2025 Australian Open.
Raducanu earned a hard-fought 7-6(4), 7-6(2) victory over 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Melbourne major in her first match of the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old had to overcome serving issues as she hit 15 doubles faults during the contest, which lasted two hours and 16 minutes.
The 2021 US Open winner will face world No 35 Amanda Anisimova for the first time in the second round.
Raducanu explained she has changed her fitness regime and revealed she felt good physically after her battle with Alexandrova.
“It is a little bit different,” the world No 61 told the media.
“I’m someone who’s very flexible and quite hypermobile. I think that’s where a lot of my niggles have come from in the past, not necessarily having the amount of strength at end ranges.
“That’s something I’m working on now, trying to limit any niggles and injuries. We have just started at it, so I want to see how that goes.”
Wilander was impressed with Raducanu’s display and he has no doubt the former world No 10 can reach the very top of the game.
“This was a tough match. Alexandrova is a good player and you have to play well. So I’m very impressed with with Emma Raducanu,” the former world No 1 told Eurosport.
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“Every time I see her there, there’s no question in my mind that she could become one of the best players in the world if she stays healthy long enough.
“But Anisimova hits the ball very, very, very hard. And it’s going to be a tough match, of course. But I love seeing Emma Raducanu back.”
Asked about Anisimova by Eurosport’s Laura Robson, Raducanu said: “I’ve seen her around. She changed her hair and I complimented her. She’s gone brunette; I’m a fan of the darker.
“It’s going to be a difficult match. She’s a very dangerous opponent. A big ball striker. The conditions in Melbourne are very lively, so it speeds it up even more. It’ll be a good match; exciting for everyone to watch.
“She hits the ball really hard. I practised with her a couple of times. She likes to dictate. So I think it’s going to be a big challenge for me, of course.
“She’s had some amazing results, as well. She broke out really early. I’m looking forward to going out there and testing my game and seeing where I’m at.”
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