Britain’s Emma Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova in her next Australian Open match on Thursday. Sky Sports” Jonathan Overend believes that “big things are just around the corner.”
On Tuesday, Raducanu overcame serving issues to upset 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and advance to the second round in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old committed 15 double faults but overcame a shaky match to beat world No. 31 Alexandrova of Russia 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2).
Since his incredible success at the 2021 US Open, the Briton has been plagued by injuries and poor form. sky sports tennis Commentator Overend believes it would be wrong to ignore her.
“She is ready for further great performances at Grand Slam level in the future,” he said. “Yes, the serve requires effort, but everything is positive and everything is going in the right direction.
“I don’t want to write anything off of Raducanu, I believe that another great achievement is just around the corner in the next few years.It’s not just his tennis but his attitude that gives me that belief. be.
“Surviving when your serve malfunctions in a close two-set match is something we’ve seen players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have to deal with in recent years. I think they are the two best players in the world considering their form.”There is no embarrassment for Raducanu at the moment.
“I think what’s really impressive is that she continues to deal with these relatively minor setbacks with humor and humility.
“It’s very important and very refreshing to see in the tough world of professional sports, where a lot of athletes get very nervous and very nervous every time they’re criticized. Raducanu seems to get through the situation with a smile on his face. , I’m very happy to see you.” ”
Raducanu’s next opponent in Melbourne, Anisimova, surprised the tennis world in 2019 by reaching the French Open semi-finals at just 17 years old.
The American has yet to repeat that feat since reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2022 at the Grand Slam, but he has reached the fourth round four times in Australia so far. This is something Raducanu has never done, as he has never made it past the second round. Round the under.
The Brit says he knows there will be stiff competition.
“I know she’s a big ball striker. She hits the ball really hard,” Raducanu told the media.
“I’ve practiced with her a few times. She likes to dictate, so of course I think that’s going to be a big challenge for me.”
“She’s had great results as well. She broke out really early. I’m looking forward to getting out there and testing my game and seeing where I’m at.”
Raducanu admitted he needs to focus on two things: serve and fitness.
“I don’t know what I changed with Saab. I think Saab had some kind of intention. I’m definitely going to reflect and consider it,” she said.
“In the first set, I think I hit a lot of good first serves. I hit a few aces. I also hit double faults at the same time. I was pretty accepting of that. ‘Okay, at least I’m OK.’ Aim for that.
“I think it got more difficult as the balls got heavier. More balls were coming and it wasn’t easy to refocus, but I knew there was a big return even if I went down. It also depends on other parts of my game that I know are very strong.
“I’m very proud that I didn’t let it affect me too much and let the game slip away.”
Regarding his physical fitness, Radukanu added: “I’m a very flexible, very mobile person. I think that’s where a lot of my weaknesses have come from, not necessarily being strong enough at the end range.”
“That’s something I’m working on right now, trying to minimize minor injuries and injuries. We’re just getting started, so we’ll see how it goes.”
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