‘She’s got a target on her now’ – British legend feels everyone wants to beat Raducanu
Three-time Grand Slam champion Virginia Wade sung the praises of Emma Raducanu but has warned fans to not “expect anything spectacular” over the next few seasons.
19-year-old Raducanu shocked the world when she became the first ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam title, achieving such a feat at the age of 18.
Four-time doubles Slam champion Wade sung Raducanu’s praises but feels her recent success will mean other players will target her on the tour and will raise their game especially for her.
Wade was the last British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title before Raducanu, who garnered the world’s attention at Flushing Meadows, winning Wimbledon in 1977.
As a result of Raducanu’s triumphant breakthrough season, she won the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) Newcomer of the Year award, as well as BT Sport’s Action Woman of the Year award.
Former World number two Wade told British Magazine the Radio Times, “there are an awful lot of very good players and she’s got a target on her now. They all desperately want to beat her.
“She’s very smart, intelligent, well-balanced, serious. She really applies herself. She problem-solves on the court.
“We don’t need to expect anything spectacular in the next few years. Give her a couple of good, steady, learning years.”
Since her US Open victory, Raducanu has signed sponsorship deals with fashion brand Dior and most recently bottled-water provider Evian, as well as attending famous fashion show the Met Gala.
Wade erred caution and echoed Eddie Jones’ concerns regarding the various brand deals young stars receive and how it can be a detriment to their promising careers.
“Getting all these endorsements can turn these young players’ heads.
“You’ve got to remember you got [sponsorship deals] because you’re a good tennis player, and not for any other reason.
“So you’d better stay being a good tennis player.”
Although, Raducanu has recently responded to such concerns, saying she doesn’t think about others’ expectations of her and wants to improve herself and live up to her own expectations.
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