“Different Type of Pressure”: Andy Roddick Reveals “Next Benchmark” for Emma Raducanu in 2022 Season

19-year-old Emma Raducanu had a sensational 2021 season, winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open this year. What’s more interesting, she also became the first-ever tennis player in history to win a major trophy as a qualifier. And, Raducanu did it without losing a single set. The question now is: What are the goals for the Englishwoman in 2022? For this, former World No.1 Andy Roddick answered in brief.

Primarily, the 2003 US Open champion explained how different 2022 would be for Raduncanu. In addition to that, he revealed the benchmark for the reigning US Open champion next year. Is it a second Grand Slam title, a deeper run in major tournaments, or its consistency?

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Andy Roddick reflects on the Emma Raducanu outlook 

Before this, Raducanu stunned the world with her fairytale performance in New York. But from here on, the Englishwoman would face the expectations of a Grand Slam champion in every tournament she would play in 2022. Indeed, it changes everything for her.

“The hardest thing in sport, in my opinion, is expectation,” Roddick said. “What she did at the US Open was unbelievable, but it was largely without expectation of ‘Hey, if you don’t win this final, it’s bad for you.’”

Sep 11, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Leylah Fernandez of Canada (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, Roddick highlighted that it was all gravy for Raducanu from the third round onwards. And now, he foresees the challenge set up against her.

“Taking nothing away from her, but it is a different type of pressure set now,” Roddick added.

Therefore, the retired American great stated quarterfinals as her target in majors next year. But more importantly, he hopes to see more consistency from Raducanu on the WTA Tour.

“What I would want to see is consistent weeks where she is winning three matches, winning four matches every week. That would be the next benchmark if I am on her team,” Roddick said.

Oct 8, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Emma Raducanu (GBR) hits a shot against Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusively, Roddick set the bar from her, where the baseline is WTA Top 20 Rankings, and the upper echelon is her 2021 US Open title. Let’s see if Raducanu fulfills these expectations next year.

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Which tournament will Raducanu play next?

Before the start of her 2022 campaign, Raducanu will compete at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. Afterward, she will prepare for the Australian Open 2022.

Do you think Raducanu will remain in WTA Top 20 next year?

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