"She’s definitely a better player than her": Pat Cash evaluates Raducanu's Australian Open chances and compares her to top-seed player

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash shared his thoughts on Emma Raducanu's potential at the upcoming Australian Open and her prospects for the 2025 season. The Australian compared Raducanu to World No. 8 Emma Navarro, who had a stellar run in Grand Slam tournaments last year.

Cash expressed confidence that Raducanu has the ability to return to top form after a competitive 2024, during which she secured her first career wins over top-10 players. The 2021 US Open champion defeated Jessica Pegula (No. 5) at the Eastbourne International and Maria Sakkari (No. 9) at Wimbledon during the grass swing.

“It’s been interesting to watch her play. She certainly has the talent to compete at the top level,” Cash told Tennis365 following Raducanu’s withdrawal from the ASB Classic. “I was at Queen’s Club the other day, and some highlights of her US Open victory came on TV—it’s phenomenal to remind yourself how good she is.”

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"Raducanu has more potential than Emma Navarro"

Raducanu started the season with a setback, pulling out of her first tournament due to back pain. However, she recently updated fans on her recovery, signaling positive signs ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.

“She has had some issues with her forehand from time to time, and maybe the stress of it all contributed to those injuries,” Cash noted. “She’s had half a decent year when she was able to play matches, but there’s an opportunity for a player like Emma to come through.”

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Comparing Raducanu to American Emma Navarro, Cash added, “We saw Emma Navarro come through this year, and Raducanu is definitely a better player than her. You just have to hope Raducanu stays fit and gets matches under her belt because she certainly has the talent to do very well.”

Navarro had an impressive 2024 season, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, boasting a 14-4 record in Grand Slam tournaments. Meanwhile, Raducanu has been training in Melbourne to fine-tune her preparations for the Australian Open. In her three previous appearances in Melbourne, she has been eliminated in the second round each time.

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