"She needs a few learning years" says Virginia Wade on Emma Raducanu

British tennis icon Virginia Wade has urged fans to pump the breaks on expectations for Emma Raducanu after her surprising US Open triumph.

Emma Raducanu became a household name in tennis by winning the 2021 US Open. The British youngster broke several records by doing that becoming the first qualifier ever to win a grand slam. It was only her 2nd grand slam event as well so the achievement was even more impressive. Since then Raducanu has seen herself become the most talked about WTA player.

Expectations are high and fans are expecting a lot despite Raducanu admitting not feeling any pressure to achieve a big result quickly. She is in it for the long run focusing on becoming better each day. Virginia Wade sees the potential in Raducanu but has urged fans to lower their expectations:

"There are an awful lot of very good players and she’s got a target on her now. They all desperately want to beat her. She’s very smart, intelligent, well-balanced, serious. She really applies herself. She problem-solves on the court."

Wade believes the British player will adjust well to the highest levels of WTA tour tennis but while also expecting Raducanu to slowly progress. She said:

“We don’t need to expect anything spectacular in the next few years. Give her a couple of good, steady, learning years.”