British tennis player Emma Raducanu has had a roller-coaster of a year in 2021. The then 18-year-old stunned the world by coming from the qualifying stages and going on to win the US Open 2021. However, her roller-coaster ride has been bumpy in parts as well. Emma has parted company with two of her coaches in the year.  

Recently, seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander spoke about this aspect of Raducanu’s journey. Wilander feels that as a youngster, a player should be playing as freely as possible. 

Speaking on this topic, Wilander stated, “We must not forget that it wasn’t like we didn’t know who she was. We knew she had a huge game. Young players need to play the way they want to play, and they need to find out how good they are.”

Mats Wilander’s advice for Emma Raducanu  

In Emma’s case, she has the experience and knows what it takes to win a Grand Slam title, feels Wilander. Therefore, it is not necessary to come under the pressure of a coach to play in a certain manner. She should be allowed to explore all angles and play the way she wishes to. 

The former Swedish player added, “They need to ride the wave of youth and confidence as far as they can before you start hiring coaches that have helped players to win Grand Slams. She knows how to win a Grand Slam. She won one and she needs to have fun, she needs to be allowed to do what she wants to do off and on the tennis court, and she needs to develop in her own time and not to force coaches on her.”

Raducanu had stated that she wanted a coach with tour level experience after parting with Andrew Richardson after the US Open. Recently, she joined hands with Torben Beltz, who’s famous for his work with Angelique Kerber. 

Coming to tennis, Raducanu won the US Open in her first appearance. Sadly, she lost in the opening round of the Indian Wells 2021. We wish her the very best for the next season. All eyes will be on her when she steps on the courts again. 

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