Andrew Castle: Raducanu Must Stop Overthinking to Recapture US Open Form
Former British tennis player Andrew Castle believes the key to Emma Raducanu rediscovering her 2021 US Open-winning form is simple—stop overanalyzing.
Since her historic triumph at Flushing Meadows, where she became the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam without dropping a set in 10 matches, Raducanu has struggled to replicate that success. Now 22, she has yet to add another title to her name and has only reached two WTA semifinals—Seoul in 2022 and Nottingham in 2024.
Many argue that Raducanu hasn’t lost her ability but is instead caught in a cycle of overanalyzing her game. Castle shares that sentiment.
Castle: Raducanu Played Freely in 2021
“The one thing she didn’t do during her US Open run was overthink,” Castle told Globusbet. “I watched her from match two, and she was playing automatically—10 matches, no sets lost. That doesn’t happen if you’re worrying about how high to hit the ball over the net, whether to go backhand or forehand, or obsessing over the exact ball toss for your serve.
“She just needs to play to win, play hard, and trust herself. I hope she can get back to that—being more carefree.”
Castle also pointed out a clear difference in how Raducanu plays now compared to 2021. Last summer, the current world No. 60 expressed her belief that she would one day win Wimbledon—a goal she remains determined to achieve.
