US Open 2024: John McEnroe is ‘confused’ about Emma Raducanu’s form ahead of Flushing Meadows and questions the Brit’s faith

John McEnroe admits he was “confused” by Emma Raducanu’s performance ahead of the 2024 US Open.

Raducanu, who won her first and only Grand Slam at the 2021 US Open, was eliminated in the round of 16 against Lulu Sun at Wimbledon and failed to advance past the quarterfinals at the Washington Open.

The world number 71 will face USA’s Sofia Kenin in her opening match at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a difficult start to her bid to win a second crown.

McEnroe has questioned whether the 21-year-old has the mentality needed to return to the top of the sport.

“Sometimes I see her and it looks like she’s getting back to the top of the game,” he said. “Sometimes I’m a little confused about what’s going on.”

“I’m not close to their team, so I’m not sure what’s going on there.

“I hope she’s healthy. There were a couple of matches at Wimbledon where she looked really good, but she looked a little shaky in the last one.”

“It’s hard to say exactly where she is. She seems to be doing better and seems healthier than she was a year or two ago, so that’s good.”

“But I don’t know how she is mentally, in terms of her belief and the absolute dedication that it takes to win something big again or to get into the top 10. I can’t say.”

Aryna Sabalenka, who lost in last year’s final, will play Priscilla Hon in her first-round match on Monday, while reigning champion Coco Gauff will begin her title defense against Varvara Gracheva.

And McEnroe believes Sabalenka is the big name most likely to challenge for glory in New York this year.

“I think the field is more open under the circumstances,” he added. “Aryna Sabalenka, for example, hasn’t played at Wimbledon or the Olympics, so she’s maybe a little fresher than other players. If I had to pick someone, she would be a strong contender.”

“On the other hand, Coco Gauff didn’t do so well in the summer, but she will have the audience behind her, which could give her a big boost.”

McEnroe also assessed the chances of Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina at the final Grand Slam of the year, adding: “I’m not quite sure where Iga stands and how much she has left in the tank.”

“The conditions could also be good for Rybakina. It is a medium-fast court that could suit her game well.”

“But honestly, it’s hard to say. It could well be someone who surprises us a little.”

The 2022 US Open is Swiatek’s only Grand Slam triumph away from the legendary clay court of Roland Garros.

She enjoyed another outstanding summer on this surface, winning the 2024 French Open and a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

However, McEnroe believes she still has a lot to learn if she wants to replicate that form on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“Her game is definitely better suited to a slower court – either clay or a slower hard court,” he continued.

“This course in New York is played pretty fast, so if you hit certain types of shots, it’s not as effective.

“For me, not much has changed in her game. I don’t think she’s going to the net much more often or making any drastic changes.

“She didn’t have to, because she’s better than anyone else on clay. But I’m sure she’s working on those aspects.”

“It looks like she has a great team and like all top players, she is probably trying to continue to improve her game. That’s easier said than done when you rely on your own strengths.”