Tennis legend Martina Navratilova feels that 2022 will not be an easy one for rising star Emma Raducanu.
Briton Raducanu had a fantastic 2021, when she became the first qualifier in history to capture a grand slam title winning the US Open, aged 18. That led to her being swarmed with sponsors and the BBC adjudging her the Sports Personality of the Year.
Raducanu heads into 2022 still a teenager, and will have a new coach by her side — Torben Beltz, former world No.1 Angelique Kerber’s long-time mentor.
But with the novelty factor wearing off, Navratilova feels the youngster will face a tough year. Speaking to the WTA website, she said: “It’s going to be hard for her this year. Players have seen her, they know what to do against her. But most of all, she just needs matches. She’s the biggest wildcard for me. Because clearly, she has the ability to play great tennis.
“Can she replicate it consistently enough? Eight WTA-level tournaments in her life? That’s half a season. I’d go into Wimbledon with 10, 12 matches under my belt....
“It’s going to be so much to handle physically, playing more matches, but everybody’s going to be gunning for her...
“To me, that she let go of the coach that got her to the US Open was unfathomable. I really don’t get that.”
How can she deal with the pressure? Navratilova feels she needs to be consistent and more confident. “You need to have consistency and confidence and, with a new coach, that could take a few months. Think long term.
“What’s your best chance of winning? You don’t want 20 different voices telling you 20 different things. Everybody wants a piece of her. when you win, everyone’s calling.
“Keep it simple; so many people overcook that. Keep that team small and give it time to come together,” the legend said.
