"Perhaps she needs to look at what Jack has been doing": Tim Henman believes Emma Raducanu may need to follow Jack Draper path in halting return

WTA
Monday, 13 November 2023 at 03:00
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Tim Henman shared his thoughts on Emma Raducanu's comeback in 2024 and advised his compatriot not to rush her return until she is in the best physical condition and drew a comparison with Jack Draper.
The young British talent rose to the forefront of the tennis world with her remarkable performance at the 2021 US Open. Emerging from the qualifiers, she won ten consecutive matches without dropping a set, clinching her first Grand Slam title at just 18 years old.
Despite Raducanu's impressive level of play, injuries have hindered her ability to maintain consistency since then. Earlier this year, she opted for surgeries on both wrists, preventing her from playing since the Stuttgart Open in April, where she fell to Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1.
Former world No. 4 and sports commentator Tim Henman recently predicted Raducanu's return in 2024. However, he cautioned the young star to approach her comeback with patience, considering the rigorous physical demands of the WTA Tour, where players compete week in and week out.
"It is above all about the physical side and building the resilience to stand up to the demands of the tour week in, week out. She has always been different with coaches and some people like to do things differently in an individual sport,” Hemnman said about former the 2021 US Open champion
“I have absolutely no doubts about her tennis ability, but it’s the physical side and building that base around you," he added.
The 4-time Wimbledon semifinalist drew a comparison to another young British star, Jack Draper. The 21-year-old, who has also faced challenges with injuries, made a strategic decision upon his return in 2023. Draper chose to limit his participation in higher-level tournaments, opting for challenger events instead. This measured approach allows him to gradually regain rhythm and avoid overexerting his physical condition.
"It is the fundamental requirement in the modern game and she needs to be using this time to create that. Jack Draper has realized the importance of this and you are seeing him reap the benefits," Henman stated.
"Perhaps she needs to look at what Jack has been doing. Everyone wants her to succeed and you just hope she will make the right choices to achieve what she is capable of. Emma should take her time," he concluded.

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