Serena Williams' coach
Patrick Mouratoglou explains how
Emma Raducanu has handled the pressure after winning the US Open and why he believes she's "on track" for more Grand Slam success.
Raducanu, who shot to stardom by winning the US Open as a qualifier, has made a difficult start to the year having battled coronavirus as well as blisters on her hand that hampered her progress at the Australian Open.
The world No 13 is now preparing for the Miami Open where she will be hoping for a solid run in preparation for Great Britain's crunch Billie Jean King Cup tie against the Czech Republic next month. Speaking about Raducanu she said:
"Everything happened so fast and overnight for Emma and I don't feel as though she has the basis to be under so much pressure. She
has a very good game and she's a great athlete. She showed some mental
strength that is quite incredible because what she has done at the US
Open is something special."
He further said:
"It is always special to win a Grand Slam, but the way she did it was
really special and she showed that. But on the other hand, it happened
so fast, like if you ask her 'how did you do it?' I'm sure she can't
answer that. When I say 'how did you do it?' what I mean is 'what
did you use for that?', 'what are your strengths and what are your
weaknesses?', 'where are you solid in your game?'.
He finished off with:
"I think she can win more Grand Slams but I think it's very early to
win some others for her because she played without any pressure and
suddenly all the pressure came on her so she's not the same player as
she was months before the US Open. When you're under pressure
your weaknesses show so she's not ready for that now, that's what I
think. Will she be in the future? I think so."