Weeks 3 & 4 - Australian Open - Main Draw - Melbourne (Hard)

Paullow B · Social player

Weeks 3 & 4 - Australian Open - Main Draw - Melbourne (Hard)

kundalini · Specialist Reporter + Intermediate Club Player

Julia Carrot wrote:
I'm warming up for Emma's match tonight by currently watching her v Belinda Bencic at US open. She lost the first two games but didn't bat an eyelid and just got better and better. Sadly, it seems to me that at 18 she was a much better player than she is now - I hope to be proved wrong tonight.

It's not even remotely close.

I suspect she is currently carrying an injury that is hindering what she can do but even then, the lack of penetration on her shots is extraordinary. So many major problems with her game right now.

Compared to Iga, Emma looked out of her depth.

Peter too · Tennis legend

Iga was in devastating form. If she aimed for the line she hit the line, if Emma aimed for the line the ball landed just over the line. Nearly every shot of Iga's turned to gold, whatever she tried she couldn't miss. Emma got taken out of her game early on and never recovered.

Neil Gee · Club Coach

Ouch! I'm glad that I didn't stay up to watch that one.

GAMEOVER · Satellite level

It was a similar score line when they met at junior Wimbledon 2018.

the addict · Tennis legend

Not surprised, but worse than expected

R3:- Emma Raducanu (GBR) WR60 lost to Iga Swiatek (POL) WR2 [2] 1-6 0-6

HarryGem · Club Coach

I'm sorry to say that that Emma's result is really a reflection of where her game is right now. Her post match comments were pretty much spot on. The gulf between her and Iga right now is not even measurable it is so wide. Overall, given the lack of preparation, I think Emma can and will be a little bit satisfied with the week but today revealed how far her game has to go to even get near top 10 level and probably top 20. First up she has to sort her serve out. Against Anisimova I think she gave up 11 break points in the first set alone. That level isn't sustainable on a long term basis. I think her current ranking is about right and I'm struggling to see her going that much higher unless she can sort out the issues with her game and prove that she can stay fit for longer than 4 days. Still positives as there are many things that can improve but I'd like to see her drop down to the 250 level and maybe even the 125 level to gain match fitness and hopefully some wins on a consistent basis. Whether her sponsors will let her is another matter.

Again overall I think the GB women can be moderately pleased with this week. Jodie got a win and for 5 games against Gauff showed the potential level she could reach with some luck regarding injuries. I'd be very interested to see her play Emma as I think it would be pretty close.

Harriet made the most of being a lucky loser but was probably disappointed to lose out in qualifying. You know what you're going to get with her, a lot of grit and determination and she has potential to be a lower top 100 ranked player.

Possibly Katie B will be the only one a bit disappointed. But her tennis is in a good place right now. Whether she can move up the rankings is hard to say but right now I'd say she is the only GB woman capable of making the top 20 and staying there. Of course just retaining her current spot will be tough. There are a lot of good players out there.

Not sure how Sonay will feel. Decent pay cheque but didn't really do herself justice in her match.

Var · Satellite level

Yes agree a bit worse than expected TA. However she hasnt really played that well and I think was lucky to get through the first two rounds with the issues she has had with her serve. Hopefully this sends a strong message, needs a lot more match practice.Have to say I am not an Iga fan since her doling incident and fell I have lost trust in her. Tips for the title, I have been impressed wit( Rybakina.

Var · Satellite level

I just wonder if Cavaday has reached his level? Not very impressed with serve modifications. Needs a new pair of eyes? He has done a great job, but doesnt have a lot of experience at this level of the game.

dodrade · Futures qualifying

Var wrote:
I just wonder if Cavaday has reached his level? Not very impressed with serve modifications. Needs a new pair of eyes? He has done a great job, but doesnt have a lot of experience at this level of the game.

This must be the first time Emma has been criticised for NOT changing coaches.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

dodrade wrote:
Var wrote:
I just wonder if Cavaday has reached his level? Not very impressed with serve modifications. Needs a new pair of eyes? He has done a great job, but doesnt have a lot of experience at this level of the game.
This must be the first time Emma has been criticised for NOT changing coaches.

LOL biggrin

christ · Futures level

I presume that Ms Raducanu will now have to rest her injuries until about Indian Wells?

Var · Satellite level

christ wrote:
I presume that Ms Raducanu will now have to rest her injuries until about Indian Wells?

Has she pulled out of Singapore? Maybe needs a spa day lol

-- Edited by Var on Saturday 18th of January 2025 10:21:17 AM

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Var wrote:
christ wrote:
I presume that Ms Raducanu will now have to rest her injuries until about Indian Wells?
Has she pulled out of Singapore?

I think he was being tongue in cheek!

Var · Satellite level

JonH comes home wrote:
Var wrote:
christ wrote:
I presume that Ms Raducanu will now have to rest her injuries until about Indian Wells?
Has she pulled out of Singapore?
I think he was being tongue in cheek!

Yeah - as I said above needs a spa day!