Ex-Slam semifinalist rips recent Emma Raducanu criticism as ‘borderline obsession’
Tim Henman has issued one of the strongest responses to the criticism and scrutiny aimed at Emma Raducanu, saying that some seem to have “a borderline obsession” with the 2021 US Open champion.
After being praised and getting positive feedback for how she played during the grass season, it didn’t take long before the 21-year-old started dealing with some harsh criticism again. This time, Raducanu is facing scrutiny because she has played just one tournament leading up to the US Open.
Specifically, some believe that after not being given main draw wildcards into Toronto and Cincinnati, Raducanu simply didn’t want to bother trying to earn a spot through qualifying. Also, that led to some again pulling the “diva” claim.
But former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist Henman thinks some need to calm down a little bit and have a different perspective on the situation.
Henman defends Raducanu
“There is almost a borderline obsession about different elements of her game and where she is going wrong. She hasn’t played in Canada and Cincinnati over the last few weeks… big deal! It’s two tournaments out of 52 weeks, she has played plenty of tournaments this year and she is top 50 in the WTA Race for this year. She is continuing to build and get fitter, stronger and faster. Her game is fantastic. She will be top 20 or top 30 before long, so we need to stop this level of scrutiny,” Henman told Tennis365.
On Tuesday, Raducanu took to social media to share that she arrived in New York.
Considering everything that has been said or written about her in the last few weeks, there is no doubt that the 2021 US Open champion will be determined to prove her critics wrong. And the best way for Raducanu to do that will be doing well at the final Grand Slam of the season.
