British tennis legends defend Emma Raducanu from criticism

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British tennis legends John Lloyd and Sue Barker have come to the defense of 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, with both stating that the nation should be happy to have a young Grand Slam champion. Raducanu, 19, lifted her maiden Grand Slam title in a stunning fashion as she became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam.

Since then, Raducanu hasn't had any triumphs and some are already calling the 19-year-old a "one-Slam wonder." “She set the bar pretty high, she won the US Open, she’s won a Slam already, so everybody’s after her," Lloyd said during the BBC's coverage of Queen's, per Tennis365.

The players on tour are after her, coaches have taught them how to play against her – when she came out at the US Open, she was still not that really well known, the pressure has come from the public and at Wimbledon it’s going to be the same thing.

This year it’s already looking a bit tough, it may look tough for the rest of the year, but from what I’ve seen from her she will rebound. When she gets enough time to play, I don’t think she’ll be a one Slam wonder.

And if she is, so what?”

Lloyd, Barker defend Raducanu

While Lloyd was making his point, Barker interjected and said: “There’s nothing wrong with being a one-Slam wonder!” After Barker made her point clear, Lloyd continued to add more praise on Raducanu.

“We should all be so lucky to win one Grand Slam, I mean that’s still an amazing feat. I don’t think she will be someone who goes away because I think she’s hungry for more. I think she’s going to stay around and win a lot more matches," Lloyd added.

Raducanu kicked off her grass season in Nottingham, where she sustained a side injury and retired just seven games into her first round match. However, Raducanu is expected to play at Wimbledon.