Emma Raducanu v Bianca Andreescu at Miami Open will see ‘fireworks’ says Chris Evert as she talks Brit's prospects
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Updated 21/03/2023 at 18:27 GMT
Chris Evert predicts an exciting match between Emma Raducanu and Bianca Andreescu in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday. Both players have “tremendous potential”, according to Evert, having both won the US Open as teenagers. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion also gave her thoughts on what the future holds for 20-year-old Raducanu and her strengths.
'Raducanu has only one place to go... and that's up' - Evert
Eurosport expert Chris Evert believes there will be “fireworks” between Emma Raducanu and Bianca Andreescu when they meet in the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday.
Both players became Grand Slam champions as teenagers with Andreescu winning the 2019 US Open and Raducanu taking the title at Flushing Meadows two years later.
Raducanu had a run to the last 16 last week at Indian Wells, winning three matches in a row for the first time in 18 months, before being beaten by Iga Swiatek.
“When I saw that line-up and that Emma had to play Andreescu, I was like, ‘oh, that's going to be fireworks’,” Evert told Eurosport’s Arnold Montgault.
“These are two players that have tremendous potential. They have won majors, are playing in the first round, are trying to get their game back - trying to get there not only physically, but trying to get that confidence, that champion mentality back and trying to get their game to where they had it when they won majors.
“It's great for the spectators. It's a big draw. It's going to be an exciting match. I know I'll be there to watch it, but it's a shame for them because they need some easier draws to get matches to regain that confidence.
“I think this says a lot about women's tennis, how deep the fields are and how many really good players there are out there.”
Raducanu struggled with injury throughout 2022 as she failed to go beyond the second round at the four majors.
She was beaten by Coco Gauff in the last 64 at the Australian Open earlier this year but appeared to be much sharper, and Evert is impressed by the difference in her style so far compared to last season.
“I am very happy to see Emma doing well,” said the 18-time Grand Slam champion. “She had a tough go after she won the US Open and I don't think she really knew what hit her after a while.
“Everybody was really gunning for her and she played scared a little bit. I liked how aggressive and bold she was at Indian Wells. She was hitting out on the ball and not afraid to go for her shot. She was really going for her shots and matching the power of some very powerful players.
“I think there's been enough time since the US Open where she can take a deep breath now and say, ’okay, that was then, this is now, and this is what I need to do and not be emotional about it’ and not let the pressure get to her. Now she's starting from down here, and she has only one place to go, and that's up.
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'Coco's progress has been excellent' - McEnroe on Gauff and Raducanu
“I think she has such good technique under pressure. Her game won't break down like maybe other players might under pressure. She's very solid and very concise and moves well and plays athletic tennis. So I think she's going to have a much better year than she had last year.”
Raducanu has been open about improving her game and has said she is only at 35% of her potential.
Asked about the importance of the 20-year-old improving her physicality, Evert said: “She's got a good physique. She's athletic, she's balanced, but she has had injuries, which you worry about.
“She's injury prone a little bit, but I think deep down, she will find that mental toughness that she had at the US Open.
“People didn't realise she really didn't beat any top, top players there. But I think the mental part and the physical part go hand in hand.
“I think the mental part is just as important, if not more important, than the physical part. I think I see a little more determination in her eyes, and I know she's not a flash in the pan.
“I think she is here to stay and here to compete with Coco and the top players. She's definitely going to be a top 10 player.”
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