In the electric atmosphere of Wimbledon 2025, British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu showcased her resilience and skill, only to face a stark financial reality that sliced nearly half of her £152,000 prize money. The 22-year-old, ranked 40th in the world, captivated fans with her performance at the All England Club, reaching the third round before falling to the formidable world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. Despite the defeat, Raducanu’s journey was marked by moments of brilliance and a renewed sense of confidence, though the taxman’s cut cast a shadow over her earnings.
Raducanu’s Wimbledon campaign began with promise. She cruised past compatriot Mimi Xu in the first round with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory, displaying the free-hitting style that has endeared her to fans. The second round saw her deliver one of her finest performances in recent memory, outclassing 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, in just 82 minutes. “I think today I played really, really well,” Raducanu said post-match, her voice brimming with pride. “There were some points that I have no idea how I turned around. I knew playing Marketa was going to be an incredibly difficult match. She has won this tournament, which is a huge achievement.” Her aggressive forehand, rated an impressive 8.2 by Wimbledon’s shot quality analysis, and fluid movement on the grass courts signaled a player rediscovering her form.
The third-round clash against Sabalenka was a gripping affair. Raducanu pushed the three-time Grand Slam champion to her limits, taking the first set to a tiebreak and briefly leading 4-1 in the second. “I think I’m just very self-critical,” she reflected after the 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 loss. “It’s hard to take a loss like that. At the same time, I’m playing Aryna, who is No. 1 in the world, a great champion. I have to be proud of my effort today.” Sabalenka herself acknowledged Raducanu’s tenacity, saying, “Emma played such incredible tennis and pushed me really hard. I had to fight for every point to get this win. I’m ziemlich sure she will get back to the top 10 soon.” The match, though a defeat, underscored Raducanu’s progress since her injury-plagued 2023 season, which saw her drop to 303rd in the rankings before climbing back to the top 40 in 2024.
Yet, the financial outcome of her Wimbledon run was less triumphant. For reaching the third round, Raducanu earned £152,000, a significant sum for the young star who burst onto the scene with her 2021 US Open title. However, the UK’s tax system took a substantial bite. As a UK resident, Raducanu faces income tax at 45% on earnings above £125,140, resulting in a tax liability of approximately £68,400 on her Wimbledon prize. Additionally, Class Four National Insurance contributions at 2% add another £3,040, leaving her with roughly £80,560 before accounting for deductible expenses like travel, accommodation, and coaching fees. These expenses, which can be substantial given the high costs of maintaining a professional tennis team, could further reduce her tax bill but require meticulous documentation.
Raducanu’s emotional response to the loss revealed her resilience. “It’s going to take me a few days to process,” she admitted, jokingly adding that she coped by eating a chocolate bar in the locker room. Her renewed partnership with coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday has brought a visible joy to her game, evident in her fist-pumps and smiles during matches. Despite personal challenges, including a stalker incident earlier in the year and ongoing back spasms, Raducanu’s performance at Wimbledon 2025 was a testament to her growth. “I think when I look back at my career, I’m really going to remember that match because you play for those moments, to really be competing toe-to-toe with the very best,” she said.
The financial hit, while significant, is part of the broader narrative of Raducanu’s career. Her $4.7 million in total prize money, bolstered by her US Open triumph, and lucrative sponsorships with brands like Dior and Porsche have secured her financial stability. Yet, as she noted at Queen’s earlier this year, money isn’t her motivator. “I don’t feel like I’m playing for money,” she said. “Of course, I need to sustain my team, which is extremely expensive, but it’s not my main motivation.” Instead, her focus remains on closing the gap to the elite, with her aggressive play and mental toughness at Wimbledon signaling a bright future. As she prepares for the next chapter, Raducanu’s fans are left hopeful that her talent and determination will soon translate into more victories—and a bigger share of the prize money.
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