NEW YORK — Emma Raducanu has been tipped to make a major impact at the US Open by none other than Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. The French tennis guru, who guided Williams to multiple Grand Slam victories, believes Raducanu has the potential to "cause a stir" at Flushing Meadows, despite her recent struggles with injuries and form.
Mouratoglou's Bold Prediction for Raducanu
Mouratoglou, who now coaches Aryna Sabalenka, made his comments after Raducanu received a wildcard entry into the US Open. The 2021 champion has been plagued by injuries since her historic triumph, but Mouratoglou insists she remains a formidable opponent. "Emma has that rare ability to rise to the occasion in big tournaments," he said. "She proved it three years ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she does it again."
Raducanu’s meteoric rise in 2021 saw her become the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam, capturing the US Open without dropping a set. However, since then, she has struggled with consistency, undergoing multiple surgeries and slipping outside the top 100. Despite this, Mouratoglou remains optimistic about her chances.
Sabalenka’s Plea for Raducanu’s Return
Interestingly, Mouratoglou’s endorsement comes after his current charge, Aryna Sabalenka, publicly expressed her desire to see Raducanu back at her best. The Belarusian world No. 2 said, "I miss competing against Emma. She brings something special to the tour, and I hope she finds her rhythm again."
Sabalenka’s comments highlight the respect Raducanu commands among her peers, despite her recent setbacks. The Brit’s fearless baseline game and mental resilience have left a lasting impression on the WTA Tour, and many believe she could still be a major force in women’s tennis.
Key Factors in Raducanu’s Potential US Open Run
Mouratoglou outlined several reasons why Raducanu could surprise critics at this year’s US Open:
- Experience: Despite her youth, Raducanu has already won a major and knows how to handle pressure.
- Wildcard Motivation: Playing with no ranking pressure could free her up to perform at her best.
- Improved Fitness: Recent reports suggest she has regained full fitness after multiple surgeries.
The Road Ahead for Raducanu
While Mouratoglou’s backing is a major confidence boost, Raducanu faces a tough draw at the US Open. Potential early-round opponents include former champions and top-10 players. However, as she proved in 2021, she thrives as an underdog.
"The US Open is where she announced herself to the world," Mouratoglou added. "If she stays healthy and plays with freedom, she can remind everyone why she’s a Grand Slam champion."
Conclusion: A Comeback in the Making?
With Mouratoglou’s endorsement and Sabalenka’s public support, Raducanu enters the US Open with renewed belief. While her recent form has been inconsistent, her talent and fighting spirit remain undeniable. If she can recapture even a fraction of her 2021 magic, she could once again become the talk of the tournament.
As the tennis world watches closely, one thing is certain: Emma Raducanu’s journey is far from over. Whether she can replicate her fairytale run remains to be seen, but as Mouratoglou and Sabalenka have pointed out, counting her out would be a mistake.