"She couldn't even shake hands!" - Wilander defends Raducanu's early exit from the Australian Open

Although Emma Raducanu made a surprise exit at the Australian Open on Thursday, former Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander thinks the US Open champion should not get a lot of criticism for her early departure.

Raducanu was defeated by World No.98 Danka Kovinic in three sets in her second round match at Melbourne Park. However, the British star was apparently hampered by blisters and took several medical breaks during the match to re-apply strapping.

“Emma Raducanu showed unbelievable fight," Wilander said in the Eurosport Cube. "She had a huge blister on her right hand and at some points couldn't really hit a forehand at all. It's not a disappointment to me.

"It needs to not be for Emma Raducanu or the British media, and for her sponsors. This was a great effort against a really good player in Kovinic. I take my hat off. She couldn't even shake hands!”

Wilander believes Raducanu played well despite the hinderance, adding that the 19-year old should focus on just being a professional tennis player.

"She played a fantastic match tonight,” Wilander continued. "She is on her way. She won the Grand Slam - that's over. Now we start being a professional tennis player. That is where she is at."