Sue Barker Voices Concerns Over Emma Raducanu’s Fitness Ahead of Wimbledon
BBC broadcasting legend Sue Barker has expressed her concerns regarding Emma Raducanu’s fitness as she heads into Wimbledon with a back injury. Despite confirming her participation, Barker believes the mounting pressure on the British No. 1 may be overwhelming.
In an interview with The Independent, Barker remarked, “I think everyone expects too much from Emma. Her incredible journey—a qualifier who won a Grand Slam—seems like something out of a Hollywood movie. But just because she achieved that doesn’t automatically mean she’ll be a top-10 player.”
Barker highlighted that Raducanu wasn’t ranked in the top 10 at the time of her remarkable victory and had limited experience on the tour. “I’m thrilled that this year she’s showing significant improvement. Her serve and forehand have developed, and having Mark Petchey in her corner is a fantastic move,” she noted.
Barker emphasized the importance of building a strong coach-player relationship, similar to what Jack Draper has achieved. “Having that trust and longevity with a coach is crucial for sustained success,” she added.
However, Barker’s primary concern lies with Raducanu’s physical health. “No matter how well you play, if your body breaks down, you’re out of the game. Just look at Jack’s experience. Emma needs to focus on building her strength to avoid injuries and ensure she can perform at her best.”
As Raducanu prepares to compete at Wimbledon, fans will be watching closely to see how she manages her fitness and the expectations surrounding her.
