Tim Henman outlines what Emma Raducanu must to do to become a top five player after Aus Open exit

Tim Henman believes that Emma Raducanu can rise to the top of women’s tennis if she increases her levels of preparation and experience.

The Wimbledon winner lost in straight sets to seventh seed Coco Gauff in the second round of the Australian Open, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) on Wednesday.

‘More tournaments, more training, more durability under his belt. He was able to stay and win the longest trades,’ Henman said of how Raducanu can return to his US Open-winning form, via eurosport.

Tim Henman thinks Australian Open second-round loss of Emma Raducanu is a ‘learning curve’

The Brit was the key to her own downfall, committing a litany of unforced errors throughout the hour and 42 minute contest.

“This is another major learning curve for Emma, ​​playing in this environment against top players,” Henman continued.

You can see the level. She was the one who dictated many of these points, but she still has to develop the physique to stay in rallies longer and make sure she doesn’t make unforced errors. If she does that, she can win big matches.’

The Brit’s play was riddled with errors and in the end she was second best behind the American.

Raducanu had 42 unforced errors, leading Goff by one, but had 17 winners to 13, emphasizing his ability to play big, which generated two set points in the second.

“Emma has amazing ball-hitting skills and great technique,” Henman said.

‘That’s why he qualified and won the US Open; she has the ability that she has. But you have to get the right balance between being aggressive and making unforced errors.’

Raducanu has largely struggled since his triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2021, and has been unable to advance beyond the second round at a Grand Slam since. Although, at just 20 years old, his future is still bright, according to former world number 1 Mats Wilander.

Raducanu has not progressed beyond the second round since his US Open triumph in 2021

“For Raducanu, the potential is there,” he told Eurosport’s coverage of the Australian Open.

‘Wait, he already won a Grand Slam! The potential is there to be a top five player because of technique, ball striking and fighting spirit.

“She’s so good at hitting the ball, and when you pressure your opponent like that, you’re bound to get some unforced errors out of your opponent, and you’re going to make some unforced errors.”

Raducanu and coach Sebastian Sachs will have to return to the practice field after the tough defeat

Coco Gauff bested her fellow youngsters to advance to the third round of the Australian Slam.