Britain’s former number one Tim Henman believes that his fellow countrywoman Emma Raducanu is ‘reaping the rewards’ for her hard work after having an impressive run at the Miami Open. The 22-year-old was once regarded as the next big thing, especially after winning the US Open at the age of just 18 back in 2021.
Since then, however, not much has gone right for Raducanu who has struggled to keep the consistency, largely because of fitness concerns. The former world number 10 is currently taking part in the Miami Open where she has booked her spot in the quarterfinal after beating America’s Amanda Anisimova in the round of 16 in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-3.
Former Britian’s number one Henman spoke to Sky Sports before Raducanu’s round of 16 clash against Anisimova. The 50-year-old was of the opinion that the one-time Grand Slam winner is now ‘reaping the rewards’ for her work on and off the court. Henman also believes that even though Raducanu did not have great outings in different competitions before coming to Miami, it gives her more confidence and momentum to feature against some of the best players in the world.
“I think the first and foremost, we are a result-based industry here and it is a fact that she has been out on court competing and wining,” he said. “I think that second match against Navarro, to come through those circumstances, she played some brilliant tennis. Navarro served for the match but Emma kept digging deep and finding a way to get the job done. So you know you reflect on the tournament schedule this year. She’s played a lot of tournaments I think, that is a big positive. She hasn’t had the results but just the fact that she is out there competing, doesn’t seem to be picking up those little injuries that have set her back. So yea I think she is reaping the rewards for a lot of hard work, on the court, in the gym, working on that fitness.”