"It's going to be hard for her this year" - Navratilova gives outlook on Raducanu's 2022 season

Emma Raducanu was thrust into the spotlight following her stunning run to the 2021 US Open title, but tennis great Martina Navratilova believes it will be difficult for the British star to replicate that performance this year.

Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title when she lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows in September, breaking into the WTA Top 20 and sweeping multiple year-ending awards. However, Navratilova believes the 19-year old will struggle to adapt to life on Tour after her breakthrough season.

"It’s going to be hard for her this year," revealed Navratilova. "Players have seen her, they know what to do against her. But most of all, she just needs matches. She’s the biggest wildcard for me. Because clearly, she has the ability to play great tennis.

“Can she replicate it consistently enough? Eight WTA-level tournaments in her life? That’s half a season. I’d go into Wimbledon with 10, 12 matches under my belt."

Navratilova also spoke on the physical tolls and pressure that would come with being a higher-ranked player, adding that Raducanu's decision to fire her old coach could also play a factor.

“It’s going to be so much to handle physically, playing more matches, but everybody’s going to be gunning for her – that’s the thing that’s going to look good on their resume," said Navratilova. "And the pressure’s going to be on her emotionally, as well. Being a Brit, she’s under a huge microscope, and it’s hard to get away from it.

“We’ll see. Coaching uncertainty, too. To me, that she let go of the coach that got her to the US Open was unfathomable. I really don’t get that.”