With the Australian Open fast approaching, former British No. 1 Tim Henman has weighed in with his thoughts on two of the women’s biggest stars. Henman issued an encouraging assessment of struggling teen Emma Raducanu while also hailing red-hot Aryna Sabalenka as the form player heading into Melbourne.
On compatriot Raducanu, who endeared herself to the British public with her fairytale US Open triumph, Henman implored fans and pundits to stay patient. “We need to remember she is still only 20 years old. The expectations placed on her shoulders after that New York victory were always going to be wildly unrealistic,” he said.
While acknowledging her sophomore season failed to gain much momentum, Henman pointed out some positive signs like Raducanu’s improving physicality. “If she continues working on her maturity and durability, I have no doubt the results will follow.”
In contrast, Sabalenka will start 2023 with far more confidence according to Henman after claiming last week’s Adelaide crown. “That was one of the most dominant tournament performances I’ve seen from a female player in recent memory. If she brings that first-strike tennis to Melbourne, she’ll be incredibly tough to stop.”
With her booming serve and thunderous groundstrokes, Sabalenka seems primed to power her way to a Grand Slam breakthrough Down Under. But no matter what transpires at the Australian Open, Henman ultimately stressed patience for both Raducanu’s development and Sabalenka’s ongoing rise.
