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I worked with 10 tennis players who were world number 1 and won dozens of Grand Slam singles titles between them.
I was Andre Agassi’s coach when he won Wimbledon in 1992, and I watched Maria Sharapova thank me for helping her achieve the same on center court, aged 17, in 2004.
I have played a role in the careers of Monica Seles, Jim Courier, the Williams sisters and many more.
Emma Raducanu is Britain’s smiling meteor – but we should give her time to realize her potential
Suffice to say, I know what it takes to become a Serial Slam Champion, and what a magical mix of raw talent, work ethic, physical ability, mental toughness, application and unquenchable desire is required. to do better. Even when you are already the best.
Britain’s smiling meteor Emma Raducanu won the US Open this month at a gallop, but can I call her a big one in the making? Sacred pimp, no! Sport is so much more complex.
I was also shocked as the next observer that Emma won this title with what seemed like supreme ease, without dropping a set as she became the first person in Slam history to win as a qualification.
But I was impressed with Emma’s physique in the final against Leylah Fernandez, who on her own is a deeply impressive player.
But tennis coach Nick Bollettieri said it was too early to declare her an all-time greats
Emma’s mind control throughout her unprecedented feat was wonderful. She didn’t crack. She smiled and imposed herself.
His versatility was remarkable. The game is no longer just about keeping the ball in play, it’s about changing, reacting to the deep force of the opposition. You have to show up, you can’t win with just one style.
Emma does all the basics well, but her remarkable footwork was eye-catching. This is the foundation for everything else. Roger Federer has a talent and sublime shots but the base is in the footwork. Watch it, but you’ll need a slow motion.
Emma’s ability to hit tough balls well was exceptional at this US Open. Hitting a ball well is Requirement 101, but consistently retaliating on those hard hits: it sets you apart. These are the positives. But let’s also be realistic.
Roland Garros 2020 winner Iga Swiatek, for example, struggled to win a second Slam
The next Raducanu tournament and the next Slam will be revealing. We’ll see how she copes with stardom, and after doing something that no one has done before, and hopefully she keeps doing it.
I cannot honestly tell you that I know she will be a world champion. I see the potential, and all kinds of positives, and I hope it continues to soar. But take it slow and let her breathe. May she find her way.
Maria Sharapova, who came to my academy in Florida at the age of 8, was different from the very young. At 11 or 12, she was running her own show on the court, desperate to make it to work every day.
I would come in to have a session and she would give me a look that said, “Let’s just start this fucking ball game!” Maria didn’t like to talk very much. Everything was business for her. She was never satisfied, and to be a repeat champion is never to be satisfied.
Bollettieri said the 18-year-old US Open winner will be around a while away – but urged patience
The Williams sisters were the same. They had unparalleled physical abilities, but it was the focus, not being overrun by outside distractions, that kept them so dominant for so long.
Asked to give Emma Raducanu advice, it would be simple: never be satisfied. Do more. When you’re happy, it’s when people put you down. Keep aspiring to do things that people say they can’t do.
I would also say: Jeļena Ostapenko, Roland-Garros (2017); Bianca Andreescu, US Open (2019); Iga Swiatek, French Open (2020).
Three players who have won their first Slam singles titles in recent times, having entered those tournaments as a teenager. And all of them are still waiting for Slam No2. Emma is going to be around I think. Be excited. And be patient.
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