'She’s got a target on her now' - Virginia Wade on stars 'desperately wanting to beat' Emma Raducanu
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Published 09/12/2021 at 10:21 GMT
Virginia Wade was the last British female Grand Slam singles champion before Emma Raducanu's remarkable success at the US Open, and is full of praise for the 19-year-old, though she warned the British public not to expect "anything spectacular" over the next few seasons. Raducanu was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year this week.
'Such a good role model!' - Raducanu reveals advice from Hamilton after incredible year
Virginia Wade has urged Emma Raducanu not to let sponsorship deals turn her head and enjoy "a couple of good, steady, learning years" with other stars now wanting to beat her.
Raducanu became the first British woman since Wade to win a Grand Slam singles title with a stunning triumph at the 2021 US Open.
Her predecessor is full of praise for the teenager, but cautioned that Raducanu will now be a player targeted by other players on tour.
Wade warned that a period of consolidation will now be natural for a young player, and that more "spectacular" success should not necessarily be expected.
“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,” Wade, who won her last Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 1977, told Radio Times.
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.”
Raducanu has enjoyed a rapid, remarkable rise to prominence since beginning an extraordinary summer by surging into the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Since her victory at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu has signed sponsorship deals with Evian and Dior, and attended the Met Gala and premiere of No Time To Die, the latest James Bond film.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2021/09/29/3228670-66090668-2560-1440.png)
Raducanu hits red carpet with Hollywood stars for James Bond premiere
Wade has cautioned the 19-year-old to ensure that she remains focussed on tennis, reminding Raducanu that success off the court goes hand-in-hand with good performances on it.
“Getting all these endorsements can turn these young players’ heads," Wade explained.
“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.”
Raducanu has climbed to 19th in the world rankings, having begun the year 343rd.
She is due to be among the contenders for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on Monday 17 January.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2021/11/09/3251580-66548868-2560-1440.png)
'One of the greatest dangers' - Raducanu must be 'given time' says Henin
- - -
Stream the 2022 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement