Murray on Raducanu’s coronation at the US Open: “It’s incredible and a huge opportunity for British tennis”

By winning the US Open, Emma Raducanu entered another dimension. The 18-year-old, who became the first (ladies and gentlemen’s singles alike) to win a Grand Slam title out of qualifying, has been admired over the past few days and even received a congratulatory message from the Queen. Elisabeth II. Enough to turn a few heads. But for the rest of his career, the praise of his tennis peers is certainly of particular importance. And Andy Murray was no exception.

Monday, after his easy victory against the German Yannick Maden for his entry into the running at the Rennes Challenger, the former world number 1 was happy to answer questions about the unexpected victory of his young compatriot. If he was obviously surprised by Raducanu’s perfect run (10 wins, 20 sets won and 0 lost) at Flushing Meadows, he had been aware for some time now that British tennis was holding a nugget.

Murray knew the potential of Raducanu

“It’s amazing what she did there (in New York, editor’s note). But I think many of us who know British tennis knew she was extremely strong. She hadn’t played much at the highest level in the last 18 months because of the coronavirus and school (she finished high school in June, editor’s note), but I think that at Wimbledon, everyone could have had a glimpse of its potential“, he considered, recalling the already impressive round of 16 Raducanu at the All England Club for his first appearance in a Grand Slam.

And even beyond these outstanding performances on the London turf, Murray had the opportunity to observe the now 23rd player in the world at work. And apparently, she trains like she plays in a match. “I spent a little bit of time by his side on the practice courts, but even more in the same facility, where we trained next to each other. I watched what she was doing and she was really good“, he noted.

Murray knows, however, the difficulty of the quest for a Grand Slam title, for having eaten his black bread before achieving it himself, also at Flushing Meadows nine years ago (four defeats in the Major finals before this triumph of the US Open 2012, Editor’s note). He can therefore only bow to the course of Raducanu. The Scotsman is especially aware that the meteoritic trajectory of the young woman is likely to make dream those who followed her, incredulous.

“But what she did in New York was very special. It is a huge boost for British tennis which will hopefully give authorities the opportunity to capitalize on this success and encourage more and more children to play this sport. It’s great what she did and it’s a huge opportunity for British tennis now“Murray knows what he’s talking about, he’s carried on his shoulders his sport in his country and all the pressure that goes with it. If Raducanu can inspire his countrymen and create vocations and emulation, British tennis does have some beautiful days before him.