Tennis icon Tim Henman has told fellow Briton Emma Raducanu that she can ‘draw a line in the sand’ after her US Open victory last season and build for her future in the sport. Raducanu has spent her first year on the ATP Tour circuit since her remarkable run to fame at last year’s US Open, becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam tournament – aged just 18.
The British No1 has had a rollercoaster 12 months hampered by injury problems culminating in second round defeats in all three of the other majors – admitting that at times she has felt ‘really low’. Henman who, during his whole career failed to make a Grand Slam tournament final, says that the world number 13 has had an ‘incredible’ year of tennis and needs to build for her future.
In an interview with Tennis 365, he said: “She will have had an incredible 12 months from winning the US Open and going back to defend her title. Then it’s almost as if she can draw a line in the sand and build for the future.
“I think she has played some really good tennis this year. There is no question about her ability and mental fortitude. The one area where she needs time and we have to be patient is the physicality and understanding what Tour life is all about. There is masses to be excited about and it is all about being patient.”
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu’s stunning rise from A Level student to US Open champion in three months
Raducanu had just finished her A-level studies when her whirlwind rise to stardom began at last year’s US Open. The Bromley youngster came through three qualifying matches and seven main-draw matches without dropping a set to win last year’s US Open.
The astonishing run saw the teenager rise from No.338 to world No.21, becoming a household name overnight in the process. Henman has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s attitude this season amid a host of setbacks.
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