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Former professional tennis player Greg Rusedski suggests Emma Raducanu must adjust her lifestyle and build greater resilience to sustain a long-term career.

Building professional resilience

Tennis commentator and former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusedski has raised questions regarding the long-term career trajectory of Emma Raducanu. The former US Open champion faces ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent form and physical durability on the professional circuit.

Rusedski indicates that for Raducanu to remain competitive at the highest level, she may need to implement significant changes to her daily lifestyle and professional routines. He suggests that the mental and physical demands of the WTA Tour require a specific type of endurance that goes beyond raw talent.

The challenges of the professional circuit

Since her historic victory at the US Open, Raducanu has dealt with a series of injury setbacks and fluctuations in ranking. These interruptions have sparked discussions among analysts regarding her ability to withstand the rigours of a full-season schedule.

The core of the critique focuses on resilience, both in terms of physical recovery and psychological fortitude. Maintaining peak performance requires a disciplined approach to training, nutrition, and recovery protocols to manage the high-intensity nature of modern tennis.

Raducanu needs to find a way to build up resilience.

Industry observers note that many young players struggle with the transition from junior success to the relentless grind of the senior tour. Establishing a sustainable foundation early in a career is often cited as a deciding factor in whether a player achieves longevity or becomes a fleeting success.

Focus on long-term sustainability

For Raducanu, the path forward involves balancing her commercial commitments with the intensive requirements of elite sport. The pressure to perform both on and off the court adds a layer of complexity to her professional development.

While Raducanu possesses the technical ability to compete with the world's best, the consensus among experts like Rusedski is that her longevity depends on her capacity to adapt. This adaptation may include:

• Refining physical conditioning to prevent recurring injuries.
• Developing mental toughness to navigate tournament setbacks.
• Optimising lifestyle habits to support consistent training loads.