Boris Becker won his maiden grand slam trophy at age 17 so he knows how winning a grand slam as a teenager can impact a career.
The German went on to build a legendary career after that triumph and that is something
Emma Raducanu is hoping to replicate. The Brit is currently struggling to live up to her US Open triumph while also actively looking for a new coach. That search polarized tennis media and fans alike with the Brit yet to make a definitive decision.
Speaking on the search to a Eurosport tennis podcast, Becker said:
It's all very bizarre when it comes to looking for a coach. It's hard enough to win a Grand Slam as a teenager, almost impossible. But it is much harder to keep this form...if there is a constant tournament to be won every year.”
Drawing upon his own experience of beign a teenage grand slam champion Becker said:
“I have had some experience there too, so I can fully understand Raducanu's stomach-ache. Maybe she should focus on finding a real coach. It would be important for her to have an experienced coach who has already trained with other world-class players."
Asked what he would od if her was in her shoes Becker said:
"For me, this is the next step that she needs to achieve consistency in her performance. In May she graduated from high school, the US Open was her second Grand Slam tournament, then she became the winner - that is an incredible achievement. The most important question for her now is: who is my mentor, who is my protection?"