“She is very important to our sport” Rafael Nadal backs Emma Raducanu to return to her best amidst a string of poor results
Follow Us
Emma Raducanu and Rafael Nadal
World No. 4 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal continues his quest for his third major of the season at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships where he is also looking to win his third title at the historic tournament. With back-to-back 4-set wins, the Spaniard is in the 3rd round of the major and despite not being on the grass for the past 3 years, he is managing well so far.
Post his win in the second round over Ricardas Berankis, Rafa talked about Emma Raducanu’s form this season. The British teenager came to the limelight last year at Wimbledon becoming the youngest British woman to reach the 4th round. She got global attention when she won the 2021 US Open as a teenager, the only person to do so in the Open Era in a singles event. However, since her win in New York, she has not been able to replicate the performances again and has struggled massively in her first full season.
“She played unbelievable”: Rafael Nadal on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win
Rafa was asked whether he has met Emma and given some advice to the Brit on how to manage this sudden rise to stardom as the 22-time major winner also achieved early success in what has been a glorious career. Nadal was candid as always and refused to give any advice but did emphasise that let Raducanu settle herself because she certainly has the talent and just needs time. Emma lost in the second round this year going down to Caroline Garcia in straight-sets and is now 9-12 for the season.
“I’m not a big fan of advice honestly. I think people who are next to the players have normally the best advice because they know the situation and the personal situation of the person. I have not had a personal interaction with her but I was very impressed with her winning the US Open last year. I saw the final and the way she played was unbelievable.
“Then it is difficult to manage this kind of success at this early stage of your life. I wish her all the best, I think she is a very important character for our sport. I know she’s having a tough year but she has already won a Slam so early stage of her career so that gives her the time to keep improving and having chances in near future and I really hope that she will,” said Nadal in his post-match press conference.
Also Read: Nick Kyrgios handed the biggest fine at Wimbledon for his antics during round 1 win over Paul Jubb
Follow our page FirstSportz Tennis for the latest updates
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)