Nick Kyrgios hits out at Emma Raducanu’s critics in feisty tweet
Nick Kyrgios has questioned those criticising British teenager Emma Raducanu, as he suggested the US Open champion as ‘far, far bigger name’ than some of the ex-players who have been questioning her performances in recent weeks.
Teenager Raducanu has struggled to make her mark on the WTA Tour after her remarkable win at the US Open last September, with former top ten player Daniela Hantuchova offering her views on her latest setback after she lost at the Miami Open in the second round against Katerina Siniakova.
“That was a tough one for Emma. I think it is going to hurt big time because of the chances she had,” the Amazon Prime analyst said.
“She was the better player for most of it. Siniakova is a great fighter and she showed why she has won all the big titles in doubles – she is not afraid of the big names.
“But the thing is now with Emma, everyone wants to beat her. Everyone is trying to figure out how to play against her. All the locker room respect she had after the US Open is now kind of going away which is a shame.
“It is going to be important now for Emma to regroup, rethink what she has to change and get out there on the practice court. There is no other way around it. Just keep putting the hard work in.”
Those comments may have caught the eye of Kyrgios, who suggested Raducanu should ignore the doubters as she is already a much bigger name in tennis.
“What’s with old retired players giving their opinion on our stars now? I read an article about a past female player talking about Raducanu, no offence but she is a far far bigger name already,” tweeted the Aussie.
What’s with old retired players giving their opinion on our stars now? I love A-rod and I agree we all need to chill with the rackets and all that, but geezus, I read an article about a past female player talking about radacanu, no offence but she is a far far bigger name already
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 27, 2022
For her part, Raducanu has insisted she is ignoring the critics, as she is determined to bounce back after a tough start to 2022.
The Brit has admitted the criticism now coming her way in the media is hard to ignore, but she is looking at the headlines a lot less.
“In the beginning I probably would occasionally peek at what’s being said,” added Raducanu. “But now I don’t really bother doing that because sometimes it’s not going to be so favourable or positive and I feel like it can get to you. I’m just learning to thicken my skin a bit.
“For me, I’m doing these things, but I’m training hard, putting the hours in and especially now I feel I just need to get more volume and capacity. I am doing a lot and I’m spending a lot of time at the club.
“These deals, of course I’m so grateful for them, but my tennis is my focus. That’s definitely at the front of my head.”
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