Grand Slam multi-champion sees Raducanu as a contender for Wimbledon: "She Is definitely up there"

The 30-time wheelchair Grand Slam champion Alfie Hewett has evaluated Emma Raducanu's chances of winning the local major at Wimbledon. The 2021 US Open champion has struggled for consistency since her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows but has taken a step forward in 2024.

Raducanu, who became the first player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier with a flawless three-week, 19-match run without dropping a set, has yet to find her footing on the Tour. Despite her incredible US Open victory at just 18 years old, she has not reached another final in over three years. Injuries have plagued her career, including a nine-month absence in 2023 following wrist surgeries.

This season, Raducanu opted for a lighter schedule and climbed from outside the top 300 to World No. 58, securing direct entry into WTA 1000 events and Grand Slams without needing wildcards. She ended the season with a 20-13 record.

Alfie Hewett, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and 16-time doubles champion in wheelchair tennis, analysed Raducanu’s future prospects as she recently turned 22. Hewett believes the former World No. 10 has the potential to fight for major titles again.“Emma hadn’t played many professional events when she won the US Open, so she needed time to get used to everything, and it was no surprise that it has been challenging for her,” he told Tennis365. “I think she is managing it now.”

“Emma has a real chance to have a big year. She has proven that when she is fit, healthy, and strong and can get to the end of tournaments, she is definitely up there with some of the best in the game,” he added. “I think it’s possible that she could win Wimbledon one day. She had a great run there this year. She’s got all the ingredients in her game, and she’s done it before, so why not?”

This year, Raducanu had an impressive campaign at the All England Club, defeating Renata Zarazua, Elise Mertens, and 9th seed Maria Sakkari to reach the fourth round without dropping a set. However, she suffered a shocking 2-6, 7-5, 2-6 loss to surprise contender Lulu Sun, marking her best Grand Slam performance since the 2021 US Open.