Greg Rusedski has admitted he is becoming increasingly concerned about Emma Raducanu’s stop-start career after the British star suffered another disappointing early Grand Slam exit at the French Open.
The 2021 US Open champion endured a miserable afternoon at Roland Garros on Sunday as she crashed out in the first round following a straight-sets defeat to Argentina’s Solana Sierra.
Raducanu was dismantled 6-0, 7-6 and ended her clay-court campaign without a single victory after losing both matches she played during the swing.
The 23-year-old appeared visibly emotional during her post-match press conference in Paris as frustrations surrounding her fitness and form continued to grow.
Former British No 1 Rusedski admitted the scenes were difficult to watch, though he believes Raducanu’s reaction highlighted how much she still cares about rebuilding her career.
“She was a little bit emotional,” Rusedski said on the latest episode of Off Court Cuts.
“It is pretty normal because you want to win and do your best, and your health is your wealth.”
Raducanu has struggled badly for rhythm and consistency over the past year, with injuries and illness repeatedly disrupting her progress.
Greg Rusedski has admitted he is becoming increasingly concerned about Emma Raducanu’s stop-start career after the British star suffered another disappointing early Grand Slam exit at the French Open
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Emma Raducanu crashed out of the French Open in the first round on Sunday
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The Briton has now lost six of her last seven matches and has not recorded a victory since the beginning of March.
She was also hampered earlier this season after falling ill during the Middle East swing before eventually returning shortly before Roland Garros.
Rusedski did, however, welcome the news that Raducanu has reunited with coach Andrew Richardson - the man who guided her to her astonishing US Open triumph as a teenager in 2021.
“The nice news is that she has talked about being with Andrew Richardson,” Rusedski said.
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Five things to know about British tennis star Emma Raducanu | PA“It is nice to see them back together.
“I hope she is healthy and can continue.”
Despite her difficult form, the former Wimbledon semi-finalist still believes grass courts could provide Raducanu with the ideal opportunity to reignite her season.
The British star historically performs well on faster surfaces, with her aggressive baseline game better suited to lower bounces and quicker conditions.
Last year, Raducanu pushed world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka hard at Wimbledon before losing in two competitive sets.
“We wish her well and hope to see some form coming back on the grass courts,” Rusedski added.
“She enjoys it.
“She can play her front foot tennis; the ball doesn’t get too high up on the grass as well, so it goes into her strike zone really nicely.”
Emma Raducanu had been troubled by injury before her French Open elimination
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However, the former US Open finalist admitted he remains troubled by the repeated interruptions that continue to derail both Raducanu and fellow British star Jack Draper.
“But it’s also about confidence, and she has not won many matches this year,” Rusedski explained.
“That is the thing, you have to keep on building.
“It has been so stop-start.
“I don’t know what is happening.
“We are having the same discussion about Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, and we are hoping we don’t have to talk about this anymore and are just playing every week.”
Raducanu will now turn her attention towards the grass-court season, where she will once again compete at Queen’s and Eastbourne ahead of Wimbledon.
She has also added the Berlin Open to her schedule as she looks to rebuild confidence and momentum after a difficult few months.