Former world No 1 ‘really encouraged’ by Emma Raducanu’s comeback and identifies a key change

Emma Raducanu hits a forehand 2024

Former world No 1 Andy Roddick has revealed he was “really encouraged” by the performances of Emma Raducanu in her comeback in Auckland ahead of the 2024 Australian Open.

The 2003 US Open champion highlighted the fact that Raducanu was “playing on the front foot a lot more than what we had last seen” and feels she was “competing well.”

Raducanu was beaten 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-1 by world No 25 Elina Svitolina in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland last week in her first tournament in eight months.

The 21-year-old Brit delivered a strong showing in the first two sets and was close to victory when she led 3-1 in the second set tiebreak, before losing six straight points. The former world No 10 defeated Elena Gabriela Ruse in a three-set battle in the opening round.

The 2021 US Open winner missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, having undergone surgery on both her wrists and her ankle after playing just 10 matches across five tournaments and posting a 5-5 record.

Roddick was impressed by Raducanu’s return to action, while he also suggested having to play qualifying for the 2024 Australian Open would not have been a bad outcome for the Brit.

“I feel like we’re always guessing what’s going on with Emma, so I will just base my opinion on the facts of what I saw last week,” the American told Betway.

“She looked very good in the first round and even better against Elina Svitolina. The first couple sets of that match were extremely high quality. I was really encouraged by the level that I saw.

“She was playing on the front foot a lot more than what we had last seen, she was competing well and, most importantly, she seemed healthy and recovered.

“She got great news that there were enough pull-outs in the main draw for the Australian Open that she now has this week to prep, though I did think it might be a good thing for her to have to go to through qualifying as it’s important to get those matches in and she has a pretty good record at Slams where she’s had to earn her spot.”

The 32-time ATP Tour titlist also feels four-time major champion Naomi Osaka will be pleased with her comeback in Brisbane last week.

“If I’m Osaka, I got what I needed out of Brisbane. To win a match and play a tough three-setter, now you can let the body reset a little bit,” Roddick said.

“I love everything that I’m seeing and hearing out of the Osaka camp, especially her saying that she’s going to play a very full schedule, as that’s the only way to get that match rhythm back where it doesn’t feel like a new experience. Tennis would sure be a lot more fun if she was making deep runs at Slams again.”

Raducanu will face Shelby Rogers in the opening round of the Australian Open, while Osaka will take on 16th seed Caroline Garcia. The tournament begins on Sunday January 14.