Former US Open Champion Claims Emma Raducanu “Could Never Have Won a Grand Slam” in Her Days

2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta, nominated in the 2022 International Tennis Hall of Fame ballot, recently reflected on the present-day scenario in women’s tennis. Worryingly, the retired Italian observed ‘there is something wrong’ with the WTA Tour, giving the example of this year’s US Open winner Emma Raducanu. Later on, she also explained why selling women’s tennis is difficult.

Primarily, the interviewer provided the 39-year-old with a notable WTA Grand Slam champions stat. It said that for the fifth consecutive year, the four Grand Slams have had four different winners. In response, Pennetta opinionated that it “is not good for tennis.”

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Flavia Pennetta reviews WTA Tour and Emma Raducanu’s US Open glory

Inarguably, an array of talent has risen on the WTA Tour in the past few years which is certainly great for the youngsters trying to break through. The flip side, however, is that there is no certainty about who will be the next crowning champion in women’s tennis. The situation does not sit well with the former doubles No.1 Flavia Pennetta.

“I do not like it,” Pennetta said. “What is happening, this very strong discontinuity, in my opinion, is not good for tennis.”

(All quotes are translated from Italian to English via Google Translate).

Furthermore, the 39-year-old drew a parallel between Raducanu winning as a qualifier this year and competition during her days. “In my day, it could never have happened that a girl who started from qualifying, like Emma Raducanu in New York, won a Grand Slam. Top athletes made too much difference. There is something wrong,” Pennetta explained.

Conclusively, the former Italian professional claimed that the charisma is missing from the WTA Tour. As a result, she stated that “women’s tennis is more difficult to sell.”

Interestingly, as per Pennette’s vision, the WTA Tour might soon need the next Serena Williams. So could it be Naomi Osaka taking that place in the future?

Also Read: “Not Feel Ashamed or Embarrassed”: Olympic Gold Medalist Draws Parallels With Naomi Osaka Over Mental Health Issues

Which tournament will Emma Raducanu play next on the WTA Tour?

Following her US Open glory, Emma Raducanu suffered an early exit from Indian Wells 2021. Hence, she decided to extend her rest and withdrew from the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

Now, as per her schedule, the 18-year-old will be competing at the Transylvania Open in Romania. Hopefully, she will find her rhythm there and get back to her winning ways on the Tour.

Do you think Raducanu can win another Grand Slam in 2022? Will WTA find consistency soon?

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