Emma Raducanu is ‘losing respect’ from other players according to former tennis star

Emma Raducanu is starting to lose the respect of other players on tour, according to former tennis star Daniela Hantuchova.

The Briton has won just two matches so far in 2022 and only four in total since winning the US Open in September last year.

In her last match at the Miami Open, Raducanu was a set and a break against world No. 53 Katerina Siniakova but gave away the advantage — losing 6-3 4-6 5-7.

Another ‘hard’ defeat for Raducanu

speaking on Amazon Prime, after Raducanu’s disappointing defeat, Hantuchova said: “It was difficult for Emma. I think it’s going to hurt a lot because of the chances she had. She was the better player for the most part.

“Siniakova is a great fighter and she’s shown why she’s won all the big doubles titles – she’s not afraid of the big names. But the thing is now with Emma, ​​everyone wants to beat her. Everyone is trying to figure out how to play against her.

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The former world number five also pointed out that her Raducanu’s poor form means she can no longer command the same level of respect as when she became a grand champion.

“All the respect she had in the locker room after the US Open is disappearing which is a shame. It’s going to be important now for Emma to regroup, rethink what she needs to change and come out on the training ground. There is no other way. Just keep working hard.

Doubtful mental strength

Raducanu’s mental toughness has also been in question as she has lost all of her matches in straight sets this year.

Indeed, her Billie Jean King Cup captain, Anne Keothavong, admitted: “I just feel like Emma got a little tight trying to close this match. It will be completely emptied.

Hantuchova echoed this idea and pointed out: “At this age you want to be in good shape, you want to show everyone that you are there, no matter how long it takes. It was wet and it wasn’t easy there.

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“But that’s where you have to be tough if you want to win matches like this if you want to win tournaments like this. And I believe Emma has the level. She just has to find a way to get rid of her.

Raducanu hits back at critics

Raducanu has also been criticized for allegedly spending too much time focusing on sponsorship deals, but the Briton called the accusations ‘unfair’.

The US Open champion recently revealed her new partnership with car manufacturer Porsche, but insisted her main priority was still the tennis court.

“Maybe you just saw on the news or on social media that I’m signing this or that deal and I feel like it’s pretty misleading because I’m working five, six hours a day [of training]I am at the club 12 hours a day,” she told some national newspapers.

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“But I throw a pole in the car on the way to practice and all of a sudden it’s ‘I’m not focusing on tennis’. I think it’s unfair but it’s something that I’ve learned to deal with and become a little more desensitized to outside noise.

Raducanu is set to play next month at the Porsche-sponsored Stuttgart Open.

Before that, however, she to represent Great Britain in a Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague, from April 15.