Tennis legend John McEnroe has raised concerns about Emma Raducanu’s mentality ahead of the Australian Open, questioning whether her mindset could be causing more problems than her physical injuries.
The 22-year-old British star has already faced setbacks in 2025, withdrawing from the ASB Classic in Auckland and putting her Australian Open preparations in jeopardy.
The development marks a disappointing start for Raducanu, who brought in new fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura at the end of 2024.
McEnroe highlighted the complex relationship between Raducanu’s physical and mental challenges.
Emma Raducanu is set to make her return at the Australian Open
GETTY
“They’re both connected [mentality and injuries], so you don’t know which one is causing more of the problems,” the seven-time Grand Slam winner said.
“Is it the physical side meaning she’s doubting herself, or was she doubting herself and didn’t push hard enough or pushed too hard? It’s impossible to know.”
]Raducanu’s struggles with fitness have persisted into the new year, following a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries.
The 2021 US Open champion has not managed to compete in all four Grand Slams in a single season since 2022.
The appointment of fitness coach Nakamura was intended to help Raducanu return to full strength for the 2025 season.
John McEnroe isn’t sure what to expect from Emma RaducanuPA
However, her withdrawal from the Auckland tournament indicates the British No 2 is still some way from putting her injury woes behind her.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs believes Raducanu could return to the top 20 in the WTA rankings if she overcomes her consistency issues.
“There’s no real true weaknesses [with Raducanu’s game], it’s just the physicality,” Stubbs said.
She emphasised the importance of match endurance: “She’s got to be able to get out there and play five or six matches to win tournaments week after week after week.
“If she can consistently match the demands of the Tour, as well as mentally because those two things are combined, can she get back into the top 20? Absolutely.”
Raducanu will be aiming to surpass her previous best performance at the Australian Open, having never progressed beyond the second round.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Snooker star breaks silence on furious meltdown after losing qualifier as Stephen Hendry joke backfires
- Andy Murray branded an ’embarrassment’ as he gives first coaching lesson to Novak Djokovic
- Luke Littler told to make two unique purchases by Phil Taylor with £500,000 prize from world championship win
Emma Raducanu has struggled with injury issuesGetty
The former US Open champion will learn her first-round opponent when the singles draw takes place on Thursday.
Raducanu stepped up her preparations this week by taking to the practice courts with Elena Rybakina and France’s Carolina Garcia.
The Australian Open kicks off on Monday and Raducanu may begin her tournament against a top seed.