Early US Open loss ‘could be the making of Emma Raducanu’ claims Judy Murray
Emma Raducanu could well lose early at this year’s US Open, but that could be harnessed as a positive by the Brit claims Judy Murray.
By winning last year’s US Open as a qualifier ranked 150th in the world, the Brit effectively leapfrogged past the trials of playing Futures and other tournaments below tour level, thrust immediately into the spotlight of being a Slam champion.
Raducanu has had to contend with the challenges of that stellar rise since while adjusting to regular life on tour, and now stares in the face of a huge rankings drop should she lose early in New York.
“There is no doubt she has the capability to astound us all again,” Murray wrote of the 19-year-old in The Telegraph. “But if she were to make an early exit at the US Open, and drop back down the rankings, I firmly believe it could be the making of her.
“What she did last year was totally unexpected, and what has followed has been an absolute baptism of fire in terms of learning how to handle everything that goes with becoming a major champion on and off the court.
“For all the incredible opportunities, and endorsement deals, she earned through her win, it still deprived her of all of those stepping stones that players usually go through to get there.
“Her ranking is number 11 now, but if you look at the level of her play and her wins and losses since the US Open, she’s probably pitching in at about 60 or 70 in the world.”
That level is reflected in how Raducanu would fair in the rankings without her 2,030 points from last year’s US Open. Without that, the teen would have 756 ranking points, placing her at 79th in the WTA rankings at time of publication.
“But rather than look at that possibility as being a huge disappointment, we should recognise two things,” Murray goes on. “Firstly, that 60 to 70 would be a great ranking for any 19-year-old, and also that the new position will come with many benefits the top spots cannot offer to a young player who is trying to learn their trade.”
Raducanu faces veteran Alizé Cornet in her first round match. Ranked 40th in the world, the Frenchwoman will prove a tricky opponent, and was the woman who ended Iga Swiatek’s 37-match win streak by defeating the world number one at Wimbledon in July.
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