“Lot of Pressure on Her”: Tennis Legend Weighs in on ‘Inexperienced’ Emma Raducanu’s Chances in Romania

18-year-old US Open champion Emma Raducanu will return to the WTA tour in Cluj at WTA Transylvania Open 2021. For this, not only fans but former World No.1 Tracy Austin is also excited. However, it is only her second match after US Open triumph and the first one since her Indian Wells exit. Hence, Paul Annacone, Roger Federer’s former coach, asked to give Raducanu more time. 

Notably, Raducanu became the center of attention following her US Open win as a qualifier without dropping a single set. The retired American legend Tracy Austin believes that the “curiosity factor continues to be high” in Romania. Besides, the three-time US Open champion also revealed why her upcoming match has “a lot of pressure.”

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Tracy Austin and Roger Federer’s former coach reflect on Emma Raducanu’s return on the WTA Tour

In a recent discussion on Tennis Channel, Tracy Austin stated that she’s most excited to see the Emma Raducanu match. Besides, the 18-year-old is yet to win her first WTA tour-level match.

“Actually, I want to see the Emma Raducanu match tomorrow,” Austin began. “I think the curiosity factor continues to be high after winning the US Open as a qualifier. We saw her play at Indian Wells, not for long enough, just that one match.”

Furthermore, the retired American added that she has a lot of pressure inside the Top 25. Therefore, the opening round match will be a big test for Raducanu.

“She has a lot of pressure on her inside the top-25. Tomorrow she plays against Polona Hercog, outside the 100, so a match that she is clearly supposed to win but still has so little experience,” Austin explained the stakes.

In addition to that, Paul Annacone gave a broader view on the current World No.23’s return. He said, “I think it’s going to take her a little time, get comfortable with the landscape and all the expectations after the wonderful US Open.”

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Emma Raducanu could potentially clash with idol Simona Halep in Romania

As per the WTA Transylvania draw, third seed Raducanu could meet top seed Simona Halep in the semi-finals. Indeed, fans waited for this matchup in Indian Wells but couldn’t see it as the teenager lost in the opening round.

All in all, the week in Romania will be a massive test for the reigning US Open champion. However, considering her talent and self-belief, she will go for it without holding anything back.

Are you excited to see Raducanu back on tennis courts in Romania? 

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