Emma Raducanu’s run of form at Cincinnati was ‘massive’ – Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova hopes Emma Raducanu’s encouraging form in Cincinnati is a sign of things to come at the US Open.

The 19-year-old has been under an intense spotlight since her fairytale triumph in New York 12 months ago and that will ratchet up a few more notches as she defends her title.

There have undoubtedly been more downs than ups since she lifted the trophy on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with niggling injuries disrupting her schedule and wins hard to come by.

But there are signs that perhaps Raducanu is getting to grips with the demands of the tour and last week at the Western and Southern Open was one of her best tournaments since here last year.

The teenager defeated Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka back to back in one-sided matches before losing a close contest against Jessica Pegula.

Navratilova told the PA news agency: “She played well in Cincinnati. It was massive because, if she hadn’t won the US Open and she has the year that she’s had, she’d be pretty happy about it and the British press would be happy about it.

“She’s up and coming and rising in the ranks. But, because she won the US Open the expectations went so high, and we saw how well she can play – it’s not even about the results, it’s why aren’t you playing anywhere near the level you played at the US Open?

It was amazing what she did. She's paying the price for it but I hope she can put it together because she's definitely a huge talent- Martina Navratilova on Emma Raducanu

“She couldn’t answer it but she started showing those signs in Cincinnati so she’ll be very relieved I think with how she played and let’s see how deep she can go.

“Once you win a big one you’re a scalp for everybody to beat, people play better, a little extra oomph in their