Britain’s Emma Raducanu faces Amanda Anisimova next in the Australian Open on Thursday and Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend believes ‘a big achievement is around the corner.’
On Tuesday, Raducanu overcame serving issues to upset 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and reach the second round in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old joked her serve had “a mind of its own” as she hit 15 double faults but edged an erratic match to post her best win at Melbourne Park, seeing off 31st-ranked Russian Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2).
The Brit has struggled with injury and form since her stunning 2021 success at the US Open, but Sky Sports Tennis commentator Overend believes it is wrong to write her off.
“She is ready to pull out another big performance in the future at Grand Slam level,” he said. “Yes, the serve needs work but it’s all positive and it’s all moving in the right direction.
Raducanu knocked out 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Australian Open first round
“I’m in the camp of believing that another big achievement is just around the corner for Raducanu in the next couple of years rather than writing her off. It’s the attitude as well as the tennis that gives me that belief.
“Two close sets and surviving when your serve is malfunctioning is something that we’ve seen the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have to deal with over the last few years and they’re the best two players in the world I reckon on form at the moment, so no embarrassment there for Raducanu.
“I think what’s really good is the way she continues to deal with these relatively minor setbacks with such good humour and such humility.
“It’s so important and so refreshing to see in the cut-throat world of professional sport where so many athletes are so uptight and so prickly whenever perceived criticisms are made. Raducanu seems to smile her way through it and it’s so nice to see and so encouraging.”
Raducanu’s attitude in addition to her play on the court has impressed Overend
Raducanu’s next opponent in Melbourne Anisimova stunned the world of tennis when she made the semi-finals of the French Open at the age of just 17 in 2019.
The American has yet to replicate such a run since at a Grand Slam, making the quarters at Wimbledon in 2022, but she has made the fourth round in Australia four times before now – something Raducanu has never done, having yet to go past the second round Down Under.
The Brit says she knows she’s in for a tough contest.
“I know she’s a big ball-striker. She hits the ball really hard,” Raducanu told media.
“I’ve practiced with her a couple of times. She likes to dictate, so I think it’s going to be a big challenge for me, of course.
“She’s had some amazing results, as well. She broke out really early. I’m looking forward to going out there and testing my game and seeing where I’m at.”
Raducanu says she knows improving her serve and keeping clear of injury are two huge factors going forward
Two areas Raducanu admitted she needs to focus on are her serve, and also her fitness.
“I’m not sure what I changed in my serve. I think it had a mind of its own. I will be sure to reflect and look at that,” she said.
“I think in the first set I was hitting a lot of good first serves. I hit a few aces. At the same time, I was hitting a double fault. I was quite accepting of that: ‘OK, I’m at least going for it’.
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Speaking ahead of the Australian Open, Raducanu revealed she refused to take antiseptic spray on a bite because she feared being contaminated with a banned substance
“I think, as the balls got heavier, it was a lot more difficult. More kept coming, it was not easy to refocus, but I knew that even if I was down, I have great returns. It was good to be able to rely on other parts of my game that I know are quite strong, as well.
“I’m just very proud that I didn’t let it affect me too much and let the match run away from me.”
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Martina Navratilova believes Raducanu should take ownership of her tennis career as she answered fans questions
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Tim Henman believed after the US Open Raducanu’s game was heading in the right direction
Of her physical fitness, Raducanu added: “I’m someone who’s very flexible and quite hypermobile. I think that’s where a lot of my niggles have come from in the past, not having necessarily the amount of strength at end ranges.
“That’s something I’m working on now, trying to limit any niggles and injuries. We have just started at it, so I want to see how that goes.”
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