Emma Raducanu comes under fire from Boris Becker after ‘dangerous’ claim ahead of Australian Open 2025

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has faced challenges in maintaining consistent form due to injuries and limited match play. Tennis legend Boris Becker commented that Raducanu has lost the “fear factor” in her game, suggesting that her lack of consistent participation has diminished the intimidation she once posed to opponents. Becker emphasized that consistent wins are essential for reinstating that fear factor.

Raducanu is set to face 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Australian Open. She expressed confidence in her preparation, stating she feels healthy and ready to compete. Raducanu believes she can be a “dangerous opponent for anyone” and emphasized the importance of self-belief on the court.

In her pre-tournament preparations, Raducanu has practiced with top players like sixth seed Elena Rybakina and former world number four Caroline Garcia. She noted that these practice sessions have boosted her confidence, as she felt competitive against high-level opponents. However, she acknowledged the challenge of translating practice performance into match success.

As she begins her Australian Open campaign, Raducanu aims to surpass her previous best of reaching the second round. Her match against Alexandrova is scheduled for January 14, with the exact start time to be confirmed. The tournament will be broadcast live on Eurosport and available for streaming on discovery+.