"Definitely going to be a top 10 player" - Chris Evert hopeful of Emma Raducanu finding back her US Open "mental toughness"

Tennis legend Chris Evert recently gave her verdict on what the future holds for former US Open champion Emma Raducanu.

Raducanu's incredible 2021 US Open victory catapulted her into the spotlight, and she has struggled to regain her balance on the tour under pressure and commotion.

She struggled with injuries throughout 2022, failing to advance past the second round in all four Majors, and she was defeated in the last 64 of the Australian Open earlier this year by Coco Gauff. However, she appeared much sharper in her Indian Wells campaign, where she was defeated in the fourth round by World No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

In a recent interview with Eurosport, Chris Evert stated that while Emma Raducanu is physically very fit, she has had injuries in the past that are cause for concern.

"She's got a good physique. She's athletic, she's balanced, but she has had injuries, which you worry about. She's injury prone a little bit, but I think deep down, she will find that mental toughness that she had at the US Open," Evert said.

She added that she will soon regain the "mental toughness" that she demonstrated during her US Open campaign.

"She's injury prone a little bit, but I think deep down, she will find that mental toughness that she had at the US Open," Evert said.

"People didn't realise she really didn't beat any top, top players there. But I think the mental part and the physical part go hand in hand. I think the mental part is just as important, if not more important, than the physical part," she added.

Evert went on to say that she believes Emma Raducanu is here to stay on the tour and compete with top players like Coco Gauff, and that the Brit will undoubtedly be a top 10 player.

"I think I see a little more determination in her eyes, and I know she's not a flash in the part. I think she is here to stay and here to compete with Coco and the top players. She's definitely going to be a top 10 player," Evert said.

---

Emma Raducanu starts her preparation ahead of the Miami Open 2023

Emma Raducanu pictured at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open - Day 8.

Emma Raducanu has arrived in Miami to compete in the WTA 1000 tournament. The former US Open champion is already hard at work in Florida and is looking for competitive redemption in the current season.

The Brit recently shared photos from her practice session at Hard Rock Stadium in preparation for her appearance at the event.