TENNIS ICON Martina Navratilova fears Emma Raducanu will struggle this season under “a huge microscope” of expectation.
Raducanu, 19, plans to fly to Sydney for her season-opener next week after deciding against competitive action in Melbourne today following a slow recovery from Covid.
The Kent ace was thrust into the spotlight following her stunning run to the 2021 US Open title.
But Navratilova – winner of 18 Slam titles – feels it will be difficult for the British star to replicate that level of performance throughout 2022.
Navratilova, 65, told the WTA: “It’s going to be hard for her this year.
“Players have seen her, they know what to do against her. But most of all, she just needs matches.
“She’s the biggest wildcard for me. Because clearly, she has the ability to play great tennis.
“Can she replicate it consistently enough? Eight WTA-level tournaments in her life?
“That’s half a season. I’d go into Wimbledon with 10, 12 matches under my belt.
“It’s going to be so much to handle physically, playing more matches, but everybody’s going to be gunning for her.
“The pressure is going to be on her emotionally, as well. Being a Brit, she’s under a huge microscope, and it’s hard to get away from it.”
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
