John McEnroe still questions Emma Raducanu’s coach change after lacklustre Australian Open
John McEnroe has questioned Emma Raducanu changing coach despite winning the US Open, saying he struggles to understand “why she decided to change” and claimed it would be “unbelievable if she’s around for next ten years.”
After winning ten games without dropping a single set, against some of the world’s best in World number eight Maria Sakkari and Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic, Raducanu became the first qualifier to ever win a Grand Slam at the US Open.
The 19-year-old Brit also enjoyed a good run at Wimbledon, going as far as the fourth round before withdrawing after she suffered breathing problems. McEnroe claimed Raducanu was “overawed” by the occasion, to much criticism.
The British starlet started the Australian Open in impressive fashion after dispatching 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, before losing to World number 91 Danka Kovinic after she battled through blistering, all to no avail.
Following her sensational Flushing Meadows victory, Raducanu continued to raise eyebrows when she decided to part ways with coach Andrew Richardson.
She then recruited three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber’s former coach Torben Beltz as Richardson’s successor.
Beltz led Kerber to two of her three Majors, but seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe has again questioned her decision to alter a winning formula.
Speaking with Sportsmail, seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe said “expectations have now been ramped up in an unbelievable way.
“It’s going to take some time to see how she handles it, I’m sure at times it’s overwhelming.
“It was overwhelming for her at Wimbledon and then she had this magical run [at the US Open]. I don’t know why she then decided to change coaches … you would think if a coach took her to the US Open Championship that you wouldn’t say that I need a new coach.
“It would be unbelievable if she’s around for the next ten years doing well, that would be outstanding.
“She seems like a sweet girl, she’s got game, charisma, she’s got everything! I’m pulling for her, it’s not going to be easy, I’m sure she’s trying to figure it all out right now.”
When asked about Raducanu’s various off-court activities, including her sponsorship deals, McEnroe continued “she should be careful with that because obviously she has opportunities to do that and you don’t just go ‘I’m going to do everything.’ Of course not.
“Their management team would be foolish to suggest that. Take it what one step at a time. Remember why you’re getting these opportunities, because you’re a great tennis player and you won the US Open.”
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