With the proper support and a dedication to staying active, the potential for the young British star is limitless.
Emma Raducanu’s journey in professional tennis has been nothing short of
spectacular, but to truly harness her immense potential, she must remain
active on the court, according to Andy Murray’s former coach, Ivan Lendl. The
legendary coach, who helped Murray win multiple Grand Slam titles, has
weighed in on the future of Raducanu, emphasizing that her natural talent is
undeniable, but consistent play and match experience are crucial for her
development as a top contender in the sport.
Since her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu has become one of
the most talked-about players in tennis. Her triumph, at just 18 years old,
made history as she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles
title. Her talent was clear, and the tennis world was eager to see how she
would follow up that achievement. However, her subsequent performances
have been inconsistent, with a series of injuries and a revolving door of
coaches leading to questions about her trajectory.
In a recent interview, Lendl praised Raducanu’s abilities, stating that she
possesses all the tools required to succeed at the highest level. “She’s got the
game, the mentality, and the work ethic,” Lendl said. “She’s too good not to
succeed. But success will come with time, and it requires constant work and
matches to keep improving.”
One of the key issues that has hindered Raducanu’s progress since her US
Open win has been the lack of consistent play. Injuries have plagued her, and
her inability to stay fully fit and active on tour has made it difficult for her to
build the match experience needed to reach the top. For Raducanu, the
challenge is not about talent—it’s about managing her fitness and playing
enough competitive matches to continue to develop.
Lendl’s comments echo a sentiment that many tennis analysts have shared
regarding Raducanu. Despite her obvious skills, including a powerful
forehand, a solid serve, and an impressive mental game, she has struggled with
the physical demands of the tour. Since her breakthrough, Raducanu has
experienced a series of setbacks, including wrist and ankle injuries that have
kept her off the court for extended periods. In a sport where consistency and
match practice are everything, these gaps in her schedule have slowed her
progress.
However, Lendl believes that Raducanu’s potential is far from being realized.
“You can see the talent she has—her strokes, her athleticism, and her ability to
handle the pressure of big moments. But to fully develop into a top player, she
needs to stay healthy, stay on the court, and play consistently.”
The former coach of Andy Murray, who has always been a strong advocate for
fitness and match-play, also pointed out that it is not just about physical
health but mental resilience. Tennis is a mentally demanding sport, and young
players like Raducanu are often still learning how to cope with the intense
pressures of the tour. “She’s shown she can perform under pressure, but the
more matches she plays, the more she’ll learn how to deal with those
situations in a way that allows her to stay at the top,” Lendl noted.
The uncertainty around her coaching situation has also contributed to the
disruption in Raducanu’s career. She has worked with a number of different
coaches since her US Open triumph, including legendary figures like Torben
Beltz, who coached her for a period. The constant changes can often lead to
confusion and a lack of continuity in a player’s development. Lendl is not the
only one to recognize the importance of stability in Raducanu’s team. Many
experts believe that a period of stability and focus on physical health could be
what she needs to return to the top.
While it’s clear that Raducanu’s immediate future in tennis is filled with
promise, the road ahead is not without obstacles. If she can avoid injury and
find a stable coaching setup, she has the chance to build on her early success.
But Lendl’s advice rings clear: Raducanu must play, and she must stay fit. Only
then will she have the opportunity to develop into the player many believe she
can be—a future world number one.
In a sport that demands constant evolution, Raducanu must prove she has the
resilience and dedication to put in the hours on court, weather the inevitable
ups and downs, and continue to grow her game. With the right environment
and a commitment to remaining active, the sky could truly be the limit for the
young British star.
