Emma Raducanu: Has former US Open champion had sufficient preparation for Grand Slam in New York?

Has Emma Raducanu had sufficient preparation for the US Open? Tim Henman, Naomi Broady and Laura Robson give their opinion on her possibilities of one other fairy-tale in New York.

Raducanu has performed simply three matches since reaching the fourth spherical of Wimbledon in July however made the quarter-finals of the Washington Open at first of the month.

She skipped the Olympics with a purpose to put together for the American hard-court swing, however then selected to not enter qualifying for tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, as an alternative having a coaching block.

The 21-year-old, who continues to be fastidiously managing her schedule after wrist and ankle surgical procedure final 12 months, is heading again to Flushing Meadows hoping for a primary victory there since surprising the world by profitable the title in 2021.

Questions have been requested about Raducanu’s lack of matches, however the analysts consider that strategy fits her way of life having already produced one of many biggest sporting tales when she gained in New York three years in the past.

Tim Henman: There is not any rush

“Missing out on a wildcard for Cincinnati was not really a blow for her because if you look at the amount of tennis that she’s played this year and you look at where she is in the race – she’s top 50,” stated Henman, the 2004 US Open semi-finalist.

“It’s just continue to build on the momentum she’s got because whenever she’s played, she’s played some brilliant tennis, so there will be plenty more opportunities and I think it’s a little more frustrating if you don’t get into those tournaments but give her another three to six months she’ll be a direct entry into those biggest and best events and her ranking will continue to move in the right direction.”

Henman continued: “There’s no rush [to play tournaments]. She’s still only 21 because she’s been around for so long but when she had the surgeries, two on her wrists and on on her foot, that was actually a blessing in disguise as it really gave her a step back and really look at her general fitness and resilience to build the foundation and compete on tour.

“If you take a look at the occasions that she’s performed, she’s performed some nice tennis. She’s performed very nicely on hardcourts, she’s performed nicely on clay and grass, so there shall be a lot extra alternative forward.”

Naomi Broady: Raducanu can beat anyone

“I think when Emma’s on, she can beat anybody. She’s not going to be seeded and nobody will want to draw her name next to theirs so early on in the tournament,” stated the previous British star.

“She’s also got the experience. How many people can say they’ve won the US Open? They know what it feels like to be in the latter stages of the tournament and to pace themselves over the two weeks.

“She has that each one to her benefit and as you say, she’s changing into steadier together with her outcomes. She has the consistency together with her group off the courtroom. She’ll be eager to make the second week.”

Laura Robson: She will be match-ready

“I feel like she will have played enough so that she’s match ready before she starts an event. She’s also someone who doesn’t need a huge amount of matches to feel good in their game. She would almost prefer to have a training block ahead of the big event so that she’s as fine-tuned as she can be,” stated Robson, a former British No 1.

“At this point it’s almost not a surprise to see her playing every week and the schedule for her is so tough to figure out given that she’s had so many injuries so you do figure out your personal preference so for her it’s absolutely a training block into a big tournament, but it’s not a full-on schedule that works for her.

“She will do nicely as a result of she’s gained the match in order that helps.”

Miles Maclagan: A deep run is feasible

“I’m not putting my money on another win, that would be incredibly unlikely. But a deep run is certainly possible – the women’s game is quite open,” stated Andy Murray’s former coach.

“While Emma’s a bit young in her career to have a second career, it’s almost that she has had to think about things and rebuild consciously… and sometimes that means you’re a lot stronger second time around, as you’re really aware why you’re trying to do things and play a certain way.”

Jonathan Overend: Raducanu can do it once more

“Could she do it again? You have to say that absolutely she could,” stated the Sky Sports activities Tennis commentator.

“All predictions went out of the window when she came through qualifying and won the 2021 US Open. And we’ve seen progress from Raducanu. She appears to me to be a little bit more settled with her arrangements off the court, with her coaching team.”

Gigi Salmon: How will she fare beneath the extreme highlight?

“As a former champion it must be a special feeling returning to the scene of such joy and possibly a little intimidating.

“The draw hasn’t been variety, she faces former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin after which is ready to face Toronto winner and Cincy finalist Jessica Pegula.

“Raducanu at her best can blow most people off court, so it will be interesting to see how she fares under the intense spotlight that forever will follow her.”

Naomi Cavaday: An enormous run is coming…

“I’m very, very confident. I genuinely believe that she has another big, big run at a Grand Slam in her and coming soon.

“It is so ludicrous what she did within the first place, coming by means of qualifying and profitable in 2021. No person’s ever achieved it earlier than for a purpose.

“I know she’s not played that many matches in the build up, but she’s not the sort of player that needs that. She is the sort of player who can snap her fingers and turn her level on… and she has been playing at a very, very high level.

“The US Open is a spot she completely loves. She is past a famous person there, identical to she is right here, and I might completely see her discovering her greatest degree. I imply, I do not anticipate her to win it, however I’ve discovered at this stage to by no means write her off.”

Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and shall be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this 12 months at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.