Lack of competition for Emma Raducanu during pandemic aided her rise, says Andy Murray

Former World no. 1 Andy Murray has opined that the lack of competition for Emma Raducanu during the pandemic aided her rise. The 18-year old young sensation stunned everyone as she lifted her maiden slam title by beating Layleh Fernandez in straight sets in the US Open final.

In fact, Raducanu had entered the competition as a qualifier and won 10 matches on the trot without even dropping a single set throughout the tourney.

Murray feels the pandemic allowed Raducanu to sharpen her skills as she didn’t take part in a lot of tournaments and worked hard on her game.

Raducanu was able to bring her best to the table as she was fresh as well as proved her mettle against the best Women players.

“The last 18 months prior to the grass season and Wimbledon she didn’t compete a whole lot, which in some ways allowed her to make some technical changes to her game and develop,” explained Murray.

“Usually around that age, 17 and 18-year-olds are competing a lot. They are on the junior tour and drip feeding into senior tournaments as well.

“Maybe that period gave her the opportunity to fix some technical issues in her game. She does seem to have improved her serve and forehand.”

Murray feels Raducanu will keep on improving her game as she has the hunger. Raducanu has definitely shown the skills to go a long way in her career.

“Not everyone can do that but the top players and really elite athletes are able to do that.

“I haven’t spent loads of time with her on a tennis court but it wouldn’t surprise me if she picked things up extremely quickly

Raducanu will take part in the Indian Wells and will play her second round match on Friday.