"The word is out with all of her patterns" - Chris Evert believes other players are gunning for Raducanu

Former World No.1 Chris Evert believes that 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu will have a target on her back for the remainder of the 2022 season.

The British teenager has only won three matches in six events since lifting her maiden Grand Slam title last year at Flushing Meadows. Raducanu lost in the second round at this year's Australian Open, and fell as the top seed in her opening round match two weeks ago in Guadalajara.

Evert believes opponents are beginning to work out Raducanu's game now that she has become a familiar face on the WTA tour.

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"I think Raducanu has a high ceiling," said the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion. "I don't know when we're going to see it because there's so many great players out there, and I think she's still young and she still can improve her game.

"It's so human to have a little bit of a downfall after you win your first Grand Slam. Most of the women who have won their first Grand Slam title have done that, where all of a sudden they're not winning anymore. They're not as dominant as people think they should be."

The Eurosport tennis analyst added that although she believes tennis is still a high priority for the British star, the rest of the WTA circuit has begun to strategize for the World No.13.

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"Even though she's gotten a lot of endorsements and she's raking in the money, I genuinely feel that tennis is still the number one priority in her mind," admitted Evert. "I do believe she's working hard at her game. But it's going to be tough because now she has a target on her back and now all the players are gunning for it.

"They know she doesn't have the confidence that she had at the US Open or the unpredictability. They know her game. After a newcomer wins a Grand Slam, every coach is getting statistics finding out 'does she get more crosscourt forehands or more down the line forehands? Where does she go with her first serve normally?'

"They study the player, and now the word is out with all of her patterns."

Raducanu is scheduled for this week's BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells event, although there is still doubt regarding her participation due to an injury sustained in Guadalajara.

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