Former seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe stated that he was baffled by Emma Raducanu’s coaching change, saying he never quite understood why she did it.
Raducanu stunned the world by winning the US Open last year in emphatic fashion. It was the biggest breakout moment tennis had seen in a while, and all the laurels and plaudits rightfully came her way.
However, shortly after her victory, she ended up sacking coach Andrew Richardson. She replaced him with Angelique Kerber’s coach Torben Belrz, but firing someone that soon after a landmark victory raised some eyebrows, including those of the former champion.
McEnroe stated that he was baffled by Raducanu’s coaching change, and suggested that there was a lot of pressure on the pair to deliver.
“Expectations have now been ramped up in an unbelievable way,” he said, as quoted by Tennis World USA.
“It’s going to take some time to see how she handles it, I’m sure at times it’s overwhelming.
“It was overwhelming for her at Wimbledon and then she had this magical run (at the US Open). I don’t know why she then decided to change coaches. You would think if a coach took her to the US Open Championship that you wouldn’t say that I need a new coach.”
She’s got talent
“She seems like a sweet girl, she’s got game, charisma, she’s got everything!” he continued.
“I’m pulling for her, it’s not going to be easy, I’m sure she’s trying to figure it all out right now.
“But she should be careful with that because obviously she has opportunities to do that and you don’t just go ‘I’m going to do everything’ Of course not. Their management team would be foolish to suggest that.
“Take it what one step at a time. Remember why you’re getting these opportunities because you’re a great tennis player and you won the US Open.”
Read more: Judy Murray sends warning to Raducanu – “Will face a steep learning curve”