Emma Raducanu is back in the news, this time earning huge praise from Tim Henman.
As a former world number four, who reached the semi-finals of numerous majors without ever taking that next step up to the pinnacle, he is certainly well-informed to advise the next generation of stars.
However, with the 21-year-old star, he feels like her level is already so high, with only injuries capable of holding her back.
But what is it that Henman really wants to see from Raducanu this season? Let’s take a closer look…
What Tim Henman said about Emma Raducanu
Well, speaking to the Metro, the 49-year-old has gone about outlining some goals he hopes to see the 2021 US Open winner achieve in 2024.
Given she has hinted that she may even drop down to play some lower-level events to recapture her fitness, it is clear that Raducanu is incensed about rehabbing the right way to manage her comeback from surgery on both wrists and her ankle properly.
It is these ailments that worry Henman, and therefore they remain the object of his focus.
He noted: ‘If she feels she wants to try and get more matches, then absolutely [it is a good idea]. The number one priority on my wishlist for Raducanu is for her to be able to compete in whatever tournament it is, without any of the physical setbacks
‘If she can avoid those injuries which break up the momentum and build up some physical resilience, that’s the most important thing.
‘Form is temporary but class is permanent. She is such a good player. You could see in the first two tournaments this year, her level was very, very impressive.
‘That’s having not played for nine months. If she can build up some matches, good things will follow.
‘If she can play 20 tournaments without any injury setbacks, I think that would be fantastic. She’s too good for the wins not to come. I do believe her level is that good. It’s much more about the process and less about the outcome.’
Emma Raducanu is back in action again
Well, there truly is no rest for the wicked!
Raducanu has wasted no time in throwing herself back into regular tennis action since her return from injury, and despite spirited displays in both the Australian Open and Abu Dhabi Open, she is yet to enjoy a deep run in either of these competitions.
It seems that that could be a trend set to continue, with the Qatar Open laden with a whole host of the world’s best female tennis stars.
Her Round of 32 opponent, Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, will do battle with the youngster for the pleasure of facing the world number 17, Jelena Ostapenko, in the next round.
Given how Ons Jabeur brushed Raducanu aside in her last match, another meeting with a top opponent might leave the Great British star feeling anxious even if she garnered praise from the Tunisian.
However, as Henman suggests, if she trusts in her own ability the sky truly is the limit.
These battles with the elite stars, whilst arduous in nature, will do her the world of good in hopefully one day reaching that level. After all, she is still very much in the infancy of her career, yet has already done something which many would die for.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
