Laura Robson has been pinpointing the key weakness that emerged in Emma Raducanu’s game earlier today.
The 21-year-old star was dumped out of the Qatar Open in emphatic fashion, being bagelled in the first set only to lose the second on a tiebreak, 0-6, 6-7 (8).
In the end, it was the slow start that proved the killer, but there were moments of dogged fighting spirit that hint towards a brighter future of fighting deeper into tournaments.
However, for now she remains raw and rusty, still nursing herself to true fitness after last year’s injury nightmare.
But what was Robson particularly critical about after today’s showing? We take a closer look…
What Laura Robson said about Emma Raducanu
The former world number 27 was rather cutthroat in her analysis, but she backed her point up with figures whilst speaking live on Sky Sports.
After all, the proof was there for all to see, as Raducanu was just too profligate with opportunities that were not particularly difficult chances to strike.
Robson claimed: ‘Having just seen the stats page pop up there, 48 unforced errors. That’s where you start. How do I cut that number down in future matchups?
‘She brought the count down as the match went on but it was almost a little bit too late as Kalinina had so much confidence in her backhand that was really the story.
‘It just seemed like she was struggling a bit with the width on her forehand and that affects the depth as well, when you feel like the racquet head speed isn’t there and you feel like you are forcing it a little bit.’
Promising signs despite the loss for Raducanu
Although today marked the fourth loss in her last seven matches, there are certainly plenty of positives to be taken alongside the additional fitness she will be gaining.
Not least has she already outlined her ability to compete with those way above her current 262nd world ranking, having battled well against Ons Jabeur initially and claimed victories over the 34th ranked Marie Bouzkova, seasoned veteran Shelby Rodgers, and even took the first set over Elina Svitolina, former world number three.
Raducanu’s level is way above her current ranking, and so by continuing to perform against these stars, she will be taking tiny steps closer to their level.
Upon returning home and practising, as she plans to do, she will take with her the vast experience gained from these last few tournaments to forge a new strategy for the rest of 2024.
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