Former British No.1 Claims Emma Raducanu Transcended Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at US Open 2021

Despite Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal missing the US Open 2021, the tournament received more than ample recognition. Inarguably, a massive chunk of its credit goes to the 18-year-old Emma Raducanu, who became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament. Not to forget the 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez, who also made it into the finals.

Consequently, the former British No.1 Tim Henman is looking forward to watching the two teenagers in Indian Wells too, where Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic won’t be playing. What’s more, Henman mentioned the US Open as “the best grand slam of tennis I probably watched in my life.”

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Tim Henman on Emma Raducanu’s success in the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

First and foremost, Henman opened up on the ATP and WTA combined events on the Tour. Then, he explained how Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic always have been at the center of everyone’s attention.

“One of the beauties of our sport are the combined events,” Henman told talkSport. “There has been huge interest in the big three of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. I think there was an element of caution going into the US Open because Federer and Nadal would not be playing.”

Adding to that, the former British No.1 stated how Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez impressed him. That is why, despite the absence of the big three in Indian Wells, he is looking forward to watching the tournament.

“For me, that was the best grand slam of tennis I probably watched in my life and was headlined by the women’s event and what Raducanu did,” Henman added.

Conclusively, the retired British professional acknowledged that Raducanu had an incredible story in New York. And so, he now hopes for a lot of great tennis to watch in the desert.

Read More: Can Emma Raducanu Qualify for the WTA Finals 2021?

Emma Raducanu on a collision course with idol Simona Halep in Indian Wells 2021

Unfortunately, Federer and Nadal will be missing Indian Wells due to injuries. As for Djokovic, he won’t be playing due to his tiresome 2021 season.

On the other hand, Raducanu is excited to make her debut in tennis paradise. She will meet Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round and potentially face Simona Halep afterward.

All in all, fans are also excited as Indian Wells returns to the Tour after more than two years. Who are you bidding to win this year?

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