Emma Raducanu comes under fire from Boris Becker after 'dangerous' claim ahead of Australian Open 2025

Emma Raducanu faced criticism from Boris Becker following her comment about being a "dangerous opponent" ahead of the Australian Open 2025. Raducanu, who is competing as an unseeded player in this year’s tournament, made the remark that drew Becker's attention.

Raducanu was set to face Robin Montgomery at the ASB Classic 2025 on December 31. However, she had to withdraw from the Auckland event due to a recurring back problem.

Since her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open, where she defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3, Emma Raducanu has faced challenges in reclaiming similar success. Struggling with ankle and wrist injuries, the British star saw her ranking plummet from a career-high World No. 10 in 2022 to outside the top 300 in the WTA rankings by January 2024. However, she managed an impressive comeback, climbing to World No. 58 by the end of the season.

During a pre-tournament press conference in Melbourne on Friday, January 10, Emma Raducanu expressed confidence in her form, suggesting she could pose a tough challenge to her opponents.

"I know that whenever I play, like, any top opponent, I feel like with the way that I'm feeling on the practice court right now," the Brit said. "I was practicing with top-10 players, feeling pretty good out there. I think I can be a dangerous opponent for anyone, really."

Boris Becker believes that Emma Raducanu is no longer the intimidating opponent she once was. In an interview with Metro in January 2025, Becker explained:

“You have the fear factor when you are winning and when you are playing consistently.‘She has not done that because she’s had a lot of physical difficulties really ever since she won the US Open”

The former German World No. 1 also pointed out that Emma Raducanu's lack of consistency in the previous season, partly due to injuries, might diminish her "fear factor" on the court.

“But ultimately, the fear factor goes out the window if you’re not winning consistently. Therefore it is a problem for her. It can give you an advantage if your opponent is afraid of you, if they don’t want to play you.” Becker said.

He added:

“But to have that respect, you have to play week-in, week-out and ideally you have to win a couple tournaments along the way.”

The tennis legend expressed confidence in the 22-year-old, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing her health to maintain a steady presence in tournaments. He said:

“She’s still a young woman. In tennis terms, still very young. I think people should be patient with her a little bit.I think she knows best what she has to work on now, which is her physicality and her consistently in playing tournaments.”

Emma Raducanu to begin her Australian Open Campaign against Ekaterina Alexandrova

2025 Australian Open - Day 1 - Source: Getty

Emma Raducanu is set to take on Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the Australian Open 2025 on Tuesday, January 14. This marks Raducanu's fourth appearance at the tournament, where she has yet to progress beyond the Round of 64.

If Raducanu secures a victory, she might face Amanda Anisimova next. Progressing further could set up a clash with Swiatek, and success there might lead to a potential encounter with 13th seed Anna Kalinskaya on her way to the quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinals, Raducanu might face eighth seed Emma Navarro. A win could set up a semifinal clash with sixth seed Elena Rybakina or fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, followed by a potential final against third seed Coco Gauff or top seed Aryna Sabalenka.