Emma Raducanu insisted that no one would want to draw her Australian Open as the 2021 US Open winner explained why she gave herself a “pat on the back” for her 2024 season.
Raducanu showed a glimpse of his best tennis this year, despite nagging injuries, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, her best Grand Slam result since her first major triumph in New York.
The 22-year-old hopes to gain more consistency next year, from Melbourne in Januaryas she looks to continue climbing the rankings.
The British number 2 will not be seeded at the first grand slam of 2025, but believes she will be a threat no matter who she comes up against.
“I know I am a dangerous player”, Raducanu said BBC Sport. “I know no one wants my name in the draw.
“I’m proud of it and I look forward to being on the field longer next year.”
“Sometimes I need to be reminded: I’m in the top 60 and I’ve played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of. I have to congratulate myself for that.
Raducanu has transformed to physical trainer Yutaka Nakamurawho has previously worked with Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, in a bid to improve her injury record.
A successful trial run during the fall saw Nakamura added to Raducanu’s team full-time, with the tennis player hoping to become “one of the best athletes” on the WTA Tour.
“I think he’s going to help me really explore how far I can go, like athletically,” Raducanu said.
“I think it’s one of my great strengths that I’m far from being fully exploited. I think I can become one of the best athletes in tennis and I just can’t wait to see what I can do.
“My natural athleticism is something I have to use. I have to sharpen it, I have to polish it, it’s still quite raw and I don’t think it’s fully developed, so he’s going to help me explore that.
