Emma Raducanu gives her thoughts on Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams

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Emma Raducanu will be looking to build on a positive end to her 2024 season, in the new year.

Raducanu enjoyed a fantastic end to her 2024 campaign with three wins at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.

Great Britain was knocked out of the tournament by Slovakia, but Raducanu still managed to show some great form.

The Brit struggled with injury throughout 2024, as Raducanu’s withdrawal from the Korea Open was the latest in a long list of struggles.

Raducanu is set to return at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand next year, as she looks to ramp up preparations for the Australian Open.

Ahead of her 2025 return, Raducanu has spent time to talk about some of the sports most legendary players.

Emma Raducanu on ‘legends’ Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams

Speaking to Sky Sports, Raducanu gave her thoughts on several of tennis’ greatest-ever players.

“This is one of the GOATS, that I’ve said, Roger Federer,” she said.

“He resembles grace, class, elegance, timelessness, all of the above.”

“Serena Williams, another legend,” said Raducanu.

“I mean I had the honor of playing her in Cincinnati in 2022.

“She’s achieved so much, and is so inspiring.”

Raducanu took down Williams 6-4, 6-0, in their only ever meeting in Cincinnati.

The 2021 US Open champion went on to praise Rafael Nadal who recently retired from tennis.

“Iconic Rafa [Nadal],” she said.

“Again, what a fighter.

“I just loved watching the character he always displayed and the mental resilience.”

Why did Emma Raducanu look up to Maria Sharapova?

Raducanu went on to speak highly of another WTA legend, Maria Sharapova.

“Maria Sharapova, she was beautiful and an amazing fighter, and someone that I loved watching,” said Raducanu.

“I think in particular, she always had the best tennis outfits.

“So someone that I looked up to and I really wanted her outfits.”

Looking back on Sharapova’s career on the WTA Tour, there are several parallels that can be made to Raducanu’s time in tennis so far.

They both broke through to win their maiden Grand Slam titles as teenagers, with Raducanu winning the US Open in 2021, and Sharapova, at Wimbledon in 2004.

Raducanu and Sharapova both struggled with injuries at times, with the Russian encountering problems with her shoulder and the Brit seemingly unable to stay fit for a substantial period.

Injuries derailed their careers at times, but not their popularity, as both Raducanu and Sharapova were amongst the highest-earning stars of their time, thanks to various endorsement deals.

This often saw Sharapova unfairly criticized, something that Raducanu has had to deal with in recent times.

With the pair experiencing somewhat similar careers, Raducanu will hope to soon emulate more of the success that Sharapova achieved.

Raducanu will return to action in Auckland on December 30, as she begins her preparations for the Australian Open, where she will no doubt be dreaming of a second Major title.