Jack Draper supports Emma Raducanu in the face of US Open criticism, urging people to give her time.
Jack Draper has stood up for Emma Raducanu after criticism of her early exit in the US Open, arguing that she has been burdened with unrealistic expectations since her win three years ago. Draper, the first British player to reach the US Open semi-finals since Raducanu’s unexpected triumph as an 18-year-old qualifier, is set to face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner tonight for a spot in the final.
Draper, 22, has taken a more gradual path to his big breakthrough at a major tournament after encountering problems with his body and injuries earlier in his career.
Raducanu was beaten in the first round in New York last week, losing to Sofia Kenin in three sets, with the 21-year-old admitting she got her preparations for the tournament wrong.
Raducanu’s decision to not play any tournaments as build-up in the weeks before the US Open was criticised, including from tennis legend Martina Navratilova, however it came after the Briton missed eight months of last season after undergoing wrist and ankle surgeries.
