John McEnroe raises Emma Raducanu ‘mentality’ fears as world ranking prediction made

John McEnroe has questioned whether Emma Raducanu’s mentality has caused her more problems than her injuries woes. Raducanu endured a frustrating injury-ridden 2024, with the Brit’s fitness concerns having carried over into 2025. The 2021 US Open winner was forced to pull out of the ASB Classic in Auckland, with her Australian Open preparations taking a hit as a result. It marks a disappointing start for new fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, who was hired by Raducanu at the end of 2024 in a bid to be fit and firing for the 2025 season.

And on the eve of the Australian Open, seven-time Grand Slam winner McEnroe is worried her mindset after picking up so many injuries already during her career, could be doing more damage than the niggles themselves. “They’re both connected [mentality and injuries], so you don’t know which one is causing more of the problems,” said McEnroe. “Is it the physical side meaning she’s doubting herself, or was she doubting herself and didn’t push hard enough or pushed too hard? It’s impossible to know.”

While the heroics of the 2021 US Open will be hard to replicate for the 22-year-old, Raducanu should at least be looking to feature in all four Grand Slams this year – something she hasn’t managed since 2022. If she can find a way to stay fit, six-time Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs believes Raducanu could make an assault on the top 20 in the WTA rankings. “There’s no real true weaknesses [with Raducanu’s game], it’s just the physicality,” Stubbs said. “She’s got to be able to get out there and play five or six matches to win tournaments week after week after week.

“We’ll see if the new fitness coach can help her in that regard, the year hasn’t started well so far. It’s just going to come down to consistency.” Stubbs added: “If she can consistently match the demands of the Tour, as well as mentally because those two things are combined, can she get back into the top 20? Absolutely. “But until she’s physically and emotionally ready to be out there every single day, those questions still have to be answered.”
Raducanu, if fit enough, will enter the Australian Open aiming to go beyond the second round for the first time in her fledgling career. She’ll find out her fate on Thursday when the singles draw for the 2025 Australian Open takes place.