Emma Raducanu ‘has it all’ and is ‘a future Grand Slam champion,’ predicts analyst
Daniela Hantuchova has tipped British teenage sensation for a huge future after she continued her rapid rise up the rankings with an opening round win at US Open.
The 18-year-old cruised through qualifying without dropping a single set, before blowing away Swiss Stefanie Vogele 6-2, 6-3 to progress to round two main draw.
Raducanu burst onto the scene at Wimbledon after receiving a maiden main draw wildcard. The Brit reached round four, including wins against former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova and Sorana Cirstea, while wowing a thrilled British crowd.
She has progressed from 350 in world rankings to a career-high of 150 so far in 2021, and Hantuchova has suggested she has better technique than fellow young star Coco Gauff.
“Emma has it all, whatever it takes to become not only a top-ten player but I believe also a grand-slam champion,” the Slovakian said.
“There is not one part of her game where I would say ‘This needs to improve.’ Unlike Coco Gauff, where I feel like technically she needs to improve a lot of things. Emma is ahead.”
“Technically there are no mistakes but also the mental strength she showed today, that is something very special,” she added.
Hantuchova went onto highlight that Raducanu has a special ability to interact and entertain a live crowd, which could be a huge benefit in the future.
“She really connects to the crowd. She is going to be able to gain a lot of energy from the fans all around the world. As soon as she smiles everyone is going to be on her side. We saw it today (Monday), playing on a big court for the first time in America, everyone is trying to get photos with her. I can’t even imagine the future that she has in front of her.” she commented.
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