Tim Henman, the former world number four, has expressed cautious optimism about Emma Raducanu's reunion with coach Andrew Richardson, while also outlining his hopes for the Laver Cup and calling for reforms in tennis's demanding schedule.
Henman on Raducanu and Richardson
Henman, who shared a room with Richardson during their early careers and had him as best man at his wedding, said he was surprised when Raducanu parted ways with Richardson shortly after her 2021 US Open triumph. 'I was surprised she chose not to work with him,' Henman said. 'She's worked with a lot of coaches since then and now I really hope that her decision to get back with Andrew works for both their sakes.'
Raducanu rehired Richardson this summer, and Henman believes the partnership can yield results. 'He's one of my best friends and I've also been around Emma. So it would be good if results improve,' he added.
Raducanu's US Open Victory and Future
Henman, who was courtside during Raducanu's stunning run, described her victory as 'one of the most incredible achievements in sport.' However, he acknowledged the challenges that followed. 'It was so unexpected because no one had ever qualified and made the final of a slam, let alone qualified and won it. So she didn't really have a foundation to build from,' he said.
On whether Raducanu can win another grand slam, Henman was cautious. 'It would be very hard. Not many people win slams so you could say, if you've done it once, you can do it again. But it's all about the process. She's got to become physically more resilient to build up her schedule, her match count, her weight of shot, her speed of movement and durability.'
Jack Draper's Injury Woes
Henman also expressed concern for British player Jack Draper, who has been sidelined by injury. 'It's very challenging whether it's this bone bruising or his knee. He's just got to try and stay patient because, if you're not healthy, you can't compete,' Henman said.
Streamlining the Tennis Calendar
Henman called for a reduction in the tennis calendar to protect players' health. 'The schedule needs looking at because less is more and I would definitely streamline it,' he said. 'The Masters 1000 events should be eight or nine days and then you need some periods where there is no tennis at the very highest level.'
He acknowledged the financial pressures but urged unity in the sport. 'When you look at the governance of tennis there are seven different bodies... We really need to communicate, and that has made it very difficult with the lawyers,' he added.
Laver Cup Vice-Captain Role
Henman is excited about his role as vice-captain for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London this September. 'I absolutely love it,' he said. 'The players are individuals and rivals and here they are coming together for the greater good of Europe or the rest of the world.'
With Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev already committed, Henman hopes to entice Jannik Sinner to make his debut. 'We have a WhatsApp group so we're always in dialogue, looking at how the team could shape up,' he revealed.
Reflecting on his own journey from sharing rooms in Earl's Court to becoming world number four, Henman said: 'If you'd said to me then: 'Sign this document and you can be top 100 for the next 10 years, and play the grand slams,' I would have bitten both arms off.'
