Who Are Emma Raducanu’s Former Coach’s Top Picks for the US Open?

Mark Petchey is optimistic about Emma Raducanu's potential to win the US Open, despite her mixed performances since her triumph in 2021. Following a dominant first-round victory over Ena Shibahara, Raducanu seems to be regaining form. Petchey believes she possesses the courage and athleticism to succeed on the big stage, but acknowledges that a favourable draw and the right circumstances will be crucial for her success.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Emma Raducanu showcased her skills with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ena Shibahara in her first US Open match.
• Mark Petchey believes Raducanu has the potential to win the tournament, provided the draw is favourable.
• Petchey views Iga Swiatek as the primary contender in the women's draw.
• In the men's draw, Jannik Sinner is expected to defend his title successfully.
• Jack Draper has the potential to surprise, depending on his fitness and performance in early rounds.

Emma Raducanu's Journey Since 2021

Emma Raducanu's victory at the US Open in 2021 was nothing short of historic. As a qualifier, she became the first woman to win a Grand Slam title after coming through the qualifying rounds since 1968. However, since that remarkable achievement, the pressure and expectations have mounted significantly. Raducanu has faced challenges with injuries, inconsistent performances, and the burden of being the British number one.

Her recent performance against Ena Shibahara indicates a positive shift. Winning decisively in just 62 minutes, Raducanu looked confident and in control. This match marked her first win at Flushing Meadows since her 2021 title, a significant moment for her as she strives to recapture her past form.

Mark Petchey's Insights on Raducanu

Mark Petchey, who has worked with Raducanu in a coaching capacity, has expressed his belief in her potential. He remarked, "She’s got something that you can’t teach, which is complete courage." Petchey’s insights reflect a deep understanding of Raducanu's capabilities and the unique challenges she faces on the court. He emphasised her athleticism and ability to thrive under pressure, stating, "I’d back her in nearly every situation if she can get sets to four all."

Petchey did, however, note that for Raducanu to win the tournament, certain conditions would need to align favourably. He mentioned that while she could reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals without a favourable draw, winning would require a bit of luck regarding matchups against players with contrasting styles.

The Competition: Key Contenders

Iga Swiatek's Dominance

Petchey sees Iga Swiatek, the defending champion and current Wimbledon titleholder, as the player to beat. Swiatek's impressive groundstrokes and unique playing style make her a formidable opponent. Petchey highlighted, "It tends to be that when these players start feeling good about themselves, it takes a hell of a performance for somebody to beat them."

Swiatek has won six Grand Slam titles, and her confidence and performance level have improved since Wimbledon. This makes her a significant threat in the tournament, and Petchey believes Raducanu will need to be at her best to contend with such high-calibre opponents.

Other Notable Players

Besides Swiatek, Petchey identified Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina as other players to watch. Gauff's powerful game can be a challenge for anyone, while Rybakina's form has been on the rise, making her a dangerous competitor. Petchey noted that players with strong serves and heavy hitting pose a consistent threat, particularly in the US Open's conditions.

Men's Draw: Jannik Sinner's Title Defence

In the men's competition, Jannik Sinner stands out as a strong contender to defend his title. Petchey has taken a keen interest in Sinner's development, especially after his recent success at Wimbledon. With four Grand Slam titles to his name since early 2024, Sinner’s confidence and skill make him a favourite for the US Open.

American Contenders

Petchey also highlighted American players Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, with Shelton being his top pick among them. Shelton's game has evolved significantly, showcasing improved rally tolerance and a more fluid serve. Petchey noted, "Half of the time he’s played a major, he’s been in the second week," emphasising Shelton's ability to perform well in high-pressure situations.

Jack Draper's Chances

British number one Jack Draper has had a tumultuous lead-up to the US Open due to fitness issues. However, Petchey remains optimistic about his chances. He believes Draper's fresh state could work in his favour, allowing him to perform at a high level if he navigates the initial rounds successfully. Petchey commented, "Anyone that thinks he can’t win it now is wrong." This sentiment speaks to Draper's potential to upset higher-ranked players if he maintains his focus and fitness throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Raducanu?

Emma Raducanu’s next match against Janice Tjen of Indonesia will be crucial. How she performs will set the tone for her campaign moving forward. Petchey’s insights suggest that if Raducanu can build momentum and avoid early pitfalls, she could indeed make a significant run in the tournament.

With the tournament progressing, fans are keenly watching to see how the draw unfolds and how players adapt to the conditions and challenges at Flushing Meadows. The upcoming matches will reveal whether Raducanu can rise to the occasion and whether the predictions made by Petchey and others hold true.

FAQs

What are Emma Raducanu's chances of winning the US Open?

Emma Raducanu has a strong chance of winning the US Open, provided she navigates her matches effectively and the draw is favourable. Experts like Mark Petchey believe she possesses the talent and courage needed to succeed.

Who are the main competitors for the women's title at the US Open?

The main competitors for the women's title include Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina. Swiatek is considered the favourite based on her recent performances and previous Grand Slam success.

What should we expect from Jack Draper in the tournament?

Jack Draper is expected to be a dark horse in the tournament. If he can stay fit and perform well in the early rounds, he has the potential to upset higher-ranked players.

Who is favoured to win the men's US Open title?

Jannik Sinner is favoured to win the men's US Open title after his recent successes, including multiple Grand Slam victories in 2024. Other strong contenders include Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.

How does the US Open's playing surface affect player performance?

The US Open is played on hard courts, which generally favour powerful servers and aggressive players. The conditions can significantly impact match dynamics and player performance.

As the tournament unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how all these dynamics play out, particularly for British players like Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper. With the stakes so high, the excitement continues to build. #USOpen #EmmaRaducanu #Tennis