US Open 2024: John McEnroe left ‘confused’ by Emma Raducanu’s form ahead of Flushing Meadows, questions Brit’s belief

John McEnroe admits he has been left “confused” by Emma Raducanu’s performances ahead of the 2024 US Open. Raducanu, who won her first and only Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open, was eliminated in the last 16 at Wimbledon by Lulu Sun and failed to make it past the quarter-finals of the Washington Open.

The world No. 71 will face the USA’s Sofia Kenin in her opening match at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a tough start to her bid to win a second crown.

McEnroe has questioned if the 21-year-old has the mentality to return to the pinnacle of the sport. “Sometimes I see her, and she looks like she’s headed back to the top of the game,” he said. “Other times, I’m a bit confused about what’s going on. “I’m not close to her team, so I’m not sure what’s happening there.

“I hope she’s healthy. There were a couple of matches at Wimbledon where she looked really good, but then in the last one, she seemed a little shaky. “It’s hard to say exactly where she is. She seems to be in a better space and healthier than she was a year or two ago, so that’s good.

“But I don’t know where she is mentally in terms of her belief and the absolute commitment you need to win something big again or to be in the top 10. That, I can’t say.” Aryna Sabalenka, who lost in last year’s final, will play Priscilla Hon in her first-round match on Monday, while reigning champion Coco Gauff will get her title defence underway against Varvara Gracheva.

And McEnroe believes it is Sabalenka who is the big name most likely to challenge for glory in New York this year.
“I think, given the circumstances, it’s a more open field,” he added. “Aryna Sabalenka, for instance, didn’t play Wimbledon or the Olympics, so she might be a bit fresher than other players. If I had to pick someone, she’d be a strong contender.

“On the other hand, Coco Gauff hasn’t performed as well over the summer, though she’ll have the crowd behind her, which could be a big boost.” McEnroe also assessed the chances of Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina at the final Grand Slam of the year, adding: “I’m not entirely sure where Iga stands in terms of how much she has left in the tank.
“Rybakina, too, might find the conditions favourable. It’s a medium-fast court, which could suit her game well.

“But honestly, it’s hard to say. It could very well be someone who surprises us a bit.” The 2022 US Open is Swiatek’s only Grand Slam triumph away from the iconic clay of Roland Garros. She enjoyed another outstanding summer on the surface, winning the 2024 French Open and a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

However, McEnroe thinks she still has a lot to learn if she is going to replicate that form on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “Her game is definitely more suited to a slower court — either clay or a slower hard court,” he continued.

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“This court in New York is playing pretty fast, so if you’re hitting certain types of shots, she’s not as effective. “To me, not much has changed in her game. I don’t see her coming to the net a whole lot more or making drastic changes.

“She hasn’t needed to because she’s better than everyone on clay. I’m sure she’s working on those aspects, though.
“It looks like she has a great team, and as all top players do, she’s likely trying to keep adding to her game. That’s easier said than done when you’re comfortable in your own strengths.”