'So far, it’s been very positive': Tim Henman backs Emma Raducanu to produce better results despite Rome Open exit

Britain’s former number one Tim Henman backed Emma Raducanu for better performances in the near future despite Rome Open exit. The 22-year-old, who was once regarded as the next big thing, especially after winning the US Open at the age of 18 back in 2021, is going through a mixed campaign.

Raducanu has recently featured in the ongoing Rome Open, where her journey ended after losing in the fourth round to one-time Grand Slam winner America’s Coco Gauff in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-2. It was the eighth occasion in nine events this season where the former world number 10 suffered a defeat before the quarterfinals stage.

However, it seems that is not enough to make former Britain’s number one Henman change his mind about his fellow countrywoman. The 50-year-old has spoken to Sky Sports, where he backed Raducanu for improved performances in the upcoming events. Henman was of the opinion that even though she was clearly the second-best in the match against Gauff, overall, the clay-court season has been a positive one for the 2021 US Open winner.

“When you reflect on the score, it looks very straightforward, but I think there were a couple of really long games, but on each of those occasions it was Gauff who found a way to come through,” said Henman. “It wasn’t the result or performance Raducanu was looking for. She didn’t have the opportunity to dictate because Gauff was hitting so aggressively from the back of the court. But when you reflect on Raducanu’s clay-court season so far, it’s been very positive. The clay courts at Roland Garros are the trust, the best, they will suit Emma even more. Her game is moving in the right direction, she’s up to 42 in the live rankings. A number in the back of my mind is 32 – can she be seeded pre-Wimbledon and get that protection in the early rounds on grass?”