Emma Raducanu told to ‘never be satisfied’ to become a great champion after US Open victory by coach who helped Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova reach the top

Revered tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has given his advice to Emma Raducanu following her US Open success and urged her to ‘continue to soar’.

Bollettieri has coached players who have reached the very top of the game, including Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova.

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The 90-year-old, who earned fame for his prestigious academy in Florida, has also had vital roles in the careers of No.1s Monica Seles, Jim Courier and the Williams sisters.

Bollettieri knows a thing or two about what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the game.

Raducanu, who is still only 18, will have the eyes of the world on her the next time she steps out on court after her famous victory in New York.

She became the first qualifier ever to win a grand slam and then jumped up 127 places in the world rankings as a result.

The Bromley teenager has since risen another place in the rankings to 22nd without even playing a game.

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Writing in the , Bollettieri said: “Britain's smiling meteor, Emma Raducanu, won the US Open this month at a canter, but can I pronounce her an all-time great in the making? Holy mackerel, no! Sport is so much more complex.

“I was as shocked as the next observer that Emma took that title with what seemed like supreme ease, not dropping a set as she became the first person in Slam history to win as a qualifier.

“But I was impressed by Emma's physicality in the final against Leylah Fernandez, who in her own right is a deeply impressive player.

“Emma's mental control throughout her unprecedented feat was marvellous. She didn't crack. She smiled and prevailed.

“Her versatility was notable. The game is no longer just about keeping the ball in play, it's about changing up, reacting to the strength in depth of the opposition. You have to come forward, you can no longer win with one style.

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“Emma does all the basics well, but eye-catching was her remarkable footwork. That's the bedrock for everything else. Roger Federer has sublime talent and shots but the bedrock is in the footwork. Watch it, but you'll need slo-mo.

“Emma's ability to strike difficult balls well was outstanding at this US Open. Striking a ball well is requirement 101 but consistently hitting back those tough shots: that marks you out. Those are the positives. But let's also be realistic.

“Raducanu's next tournament, and next Slam, will be telling. We'll see how she copes with fame, and having done something nobody has ever done before, and expectations she'll keep doing it.

“I can't tell you with any honesty I know she'll be a world-beater. I see the potential, and all sorts of positives, and I hope she continues to soar. But go easy, and let her breathe. Let her find her way.”

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Inevitable comparisons will be drawn with the likes of Sharapova and the Williams sisters, because of the similar age they won grand slam titles.

Sharapova and Serena Williams were both 17 when they won their first grand slams, while Venus Williams had only just turned 20 when she won Wimbledon in 2000.

Bollettieri added: “Maria Sharapova, who arrived at my academy in Florida aged 8, was distinct from very young. Aged 11 or 12 she was running her own show, on court, desperate to get to work every day. 

“I'd arrive to take a session and she'd give me a look that said: 'Let's just get this frickin' ball game started!' Maria didn't like a lot of talk. Everything was business for her. She was never satisfied, and to be a repeat champion is never to be satisfied.

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“The Williams sisters were the same. They had physical abilities beyond compare, but it was focus, not letting outside distractions overtake you, that kept them so dominant for so long.

“Asked to give Emma Raducanu advice, it would be simple: never be satisfied. Do more. When you're satisfied is when people take you down. Keep aspiring to do things that people say cannot be done.”

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