Tim Henman calls Emma Raducanu ‘massively inexperienced’ as target set for tennis star ahead of Qatar Open

Tim Henman has called Emma Raducanu ‘massively experienced’ ahead of the 21-year-old’s Qatar Open showdown with Anhelina Kalinina on Sunday.

But the former tennis star has set the Briton the target of staying fit as she looks for a better 2024.

Raducanu was plagued by injuries in 2023 and has recently returned to action after undergoing surgery on both of her wrists.

While she’s yet to win a tournament, Raducanu has been showing glimpses of her best form.

Emma RaducanuEmma Raducanu has recently returned to tennis action as she looks to get back to her bestGETTY

And Henman, speaking to the Metro, has set Raducanu the target of playing in 20 competitions this year.

“If she feels she wants to try and get more matches, then absolutely [it is a good idea],” he said.

“The number one priority on my wishlist for Raducanu is for her to be able to compete in whatever tournament it is, without any of the physical setbacks.

“If she can avoid those injuries which break up the momentum and build up some physical resilience, that’s the most important thing.

“Form is temporary but class is permanent.

“She is such a good player. You could see in the first two tournaments this year, her level was very, very impressive.

“That’s having not played for nine months. If she can build up some matches, good things will follow.

“If she can play 20 tournaments without any injury setbacks, I think that would be fantastic.

“She’s too good for the wins not to come. I do believe her level is that good.

“It’s much more about the process and less about the outcome.

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“She’s still massively inexperienced.

“If you do a number count of the matches she has played on the main tour, it is still so little.

 

“She’s got to build up physical resilience and the experience of being on tour.

 

“Then she will be able to do herself justice.

 

“Post-US Open, she was still trying to build up her physicality at tournaments, which is hard to do.”

 

Raducanu is still adjusting to life back on the court as she looks to regain her mojo.

 

She was thumped in straight sets by Ons Jabeur at the Abu Dhabi Open on Wednesday.

 

And Jabeur wished Raducanu well for the future while saying she was a ‘big fan’ of her opponent.

 

“Well she didn’t make it easy for me,” she said.

 

“Obviously Emma is such an amazing player, I really wish her all the best and I know she can play much better so I’m a big fan of her.

 

Emma RaducanuEmma Raducanu is hoping to get back to her best in 2024 after struggling with injuries last yearGETTY

“I’m looking forward to seeing her win more matches. Not against me but against other players.”

 

She added: “I mean, Emma had an amazing experience at the US Open and everybody I think followed her and she has an amazing career.

 

“Everybody has a different story but we struggle a lot, we go through a lot of things but we try to make it here.

 

“I’m so proud to be part of the WTA, a lot of amazing women play on the tour.”

 

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