Ex-world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic believes that Emma Raducanu has a significant mental advantage as she looks to return to her best form. Raducanu, who shot to fame in 2021 with a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon and a surprising victory at the US Open, has youth on her side, according to Petkovic. The 21-year-old’s experience of winning a major tournament has given her confidence and a fearlessness that will benefit her in future competitions. Despite suffering a difficult defeat in the second round of the Australian Open, Petkovic remains optimistic about Raducanu’s potential.
Petkovic notes that Raducanu’s youth is a key factor in her favor, as she still holds the belief that she can achieve anything on the tennis court. The experience of winning a major tournament at such a young age will give Raducanu the confidence to perform well in future Grand Slam events. While the pressure of high expectations may have come too quickly for Raducanu, Petkovic believes that she will soon find her footing again. The ex-world No. 9 anticipates that Raducanu will become a formidable opponent once she gains more experience and wins additional matches at the highest level.
When asked about the dominant players in women’s tennis, Petkovic predicts that familiar names such as Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina will continue to excel in the sport. She highlights the unpredictability of women’s tennis, where surprises are more frequent due to the best-of-three match format. Petkovic suggests that these top players should face each other more often to create exciting rivalries and elevate the sport. She emphasizes the importance of these players competing against each other to showcase their talents and become stars beyond the tennis world.
Petkovic expresses her desire to see more matches between the top female players, similar to the competitive matchups seen in men’s tennis. She believes that increased confrontation among the top quartet of women’s tennis, Swiatek, Sabalenka, Gauff, and Rybakina, will generate excitement and interest in the sport. By regularly facing off against one another, these players can develop intense rivalries that captivate audiences and elevate the level of competition in women’s tennis. Petkovic envisions a future where these top players shine on the global stage and engage in memorable battles that captivate fans and elevate the sport’s profile.
Looking ahead, Petkovic believes that Emma Raducanu has the potential to become a significant force in women’s tennis once she gains more experience and wins additional matches at the highest level. Despite facing setbacks, Raducanu’s mental strength and youthful enthusiasm will serve her well in future competitions. With the right guidance and support, Raducanu can overcome challenges and establish herself as a formidable competitor on the professional tennis circuit. As she continues to develop her skills and refine her game, Raducanu has the opportunity to achieve great success and make a lasting impact in the world of women’s tennis.
