‘Heavy-Favorite’ Coco Gauff Must Remain Wary of a ‘Pressure-Free’ Emma Raducanu Ahead of Their Australian Open Duel, Warns American Tennis Legend

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has not done great after her US Open win in 2021. The Briton made multiple changes in her coaching staff as her performance degraded in 2022. However, the 20-year-old made a strong start in the Australian Open 2023. She won her first-round match convincingly.

Up next, she has a big challenge on her way. She’s going to face a consistent Coco Gauff in the second round. As per the latest outcomes, the American will go in as the favorite. However, John McEnroe believes that this is the match that Raducanu should win. Here’s what he said.

John McEnroe wants Emma Raducanu to win against Cocco Gauff

Former world number one John McEnroe believes that it’s a great opportunity for Emma Raducanu to prove her mettle once again. Although, the eight-time Grand Slam champion admitted that Gauff will be the favorite in the match. “It’s a great second-round match-up and I think it’s going to be the first time in a while where Emma can really let loose and play more free. I think Coco is in the better position right now to make a deep run and I think it’s going to be soon that she’s going to win a major event in the next year or two at the most. To me, she goes in as a heavy favorite,” McEnroe said in a chat with Eurosport.

McEnroe further added, “I would say that it’s a match she should win, but a match that could put Raducanu back on the map again, which would be good for her”.

Read more: ‘Hid Beneath My Towel and Cried’- Coco Gauff Processes Tough Emotions as She Dwells Deep Into the ‘Most Nervous’ Match She Ever Played

Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu had contrasting performances in the previous season. However, it’s a new year with new opportunities. It will be interesting to see who claims the early advantage.

Coco Gauff spoke about the pressure of expectations on Raducanu

Before her second-round clash with the former US Open champion, Gauff spoke to the press about the pressure of expectations. Speaking about her situation, the American said that she never felt that kind of pressure as the US always had hopes from Serena Williams. However, talking about Raducanu, Gauff said that she is the lone achiever for her country for a long time, and living with that pressure of expectation will definitely be far more difficult.

At top-level matches, it’s all about handling the pressure. While Raducanu has not been in great form lately, she knows the pressure of crunch situations. Having the experience of playing a high-pressure Grand Slam final and winning it, we might also see a rather unlikely result.

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Who will win, Raducanu or Gauff? Let us know your opinion in the comments section.