Emma Raducanu has experienced a whirlwind three years since she shocked the tennis world with her historic US Open triumph in 2021. The young British star’s life changed overnight after her victory in New York, catapulting her to global fame and making her one of the most talked-about athletes in the world. However, the journey that followed has been anything but smooth.
The immense pressure that came with her newfound status, coupled with persistent injuries and scrutiny over her career decisions, has made for a turbulent period. From struggling with her form on the court to dealing with criticism over her scheduling choices, Raducanu has faced significant challenges. However, in a candid interview with Women’s Health Magazine, the 21-year-old opened up about how she has navigated these difficulties and the key lessons she has learned along the way.
Life After the US Open: Challenges and Setbacks
Raducanu’s stunning victory at Flushing Meadows as an 18-year-old qualifier remains one of the most remarkable achievements in tennis history. Her triumph ended Great Britain’s decades-long wait for a female Grand Slam singles champion and propelled her to instant superstardom. However, the fairy tale win was followed by a reality check, as she struggled to maintain consistency in the seasons that followed.
Injuries have played a significant role in disrupting her progress. A physically demanding sport like tennis requires peak fitness, and Raducanu has been plagued by recurring problems with her wrists and ankle. In 2023, she underwent surgeries on both wrists and her ankle, forcing her to miss a large portion of the season. The setbacks prevented her from gaining momentum and raising her ranking, which subsequently affected her tournament schedule.
Her ranking drop meant she had to consider playing in the qualifying rounds of major events such as the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open. However, she chose not to enter the qualifiers, a decision that drew criticism, including from former US Open champion Andy Roddick. The scrutiny intensified after her first-round exit at the US Open in 2023, a stark contrast to her historic victory at the same venue just two years earlier.
Finding Strength Through Family and Support System
Through the ups and downs, Raducanu has leaned on her family for support, particularly her mother, Renee. In her Women’s Health Magazine interview, she spoke about the vital role her mother plays in her life.
“My mum is a big pillar of mine in all senses – professional and personal,” Raducanu said. “She knows me inside out, it’s kind of freaky, so I go to her a lot. She’s my best friend.”
Having such a strong support system has been crucial in helping her navigate the pressures of professional tennis and the relentless scrutiny from the media and public. Raducanu also acknowledged that while she takes advice from her team, she remains independent in her decision-making process.
“When it comes to tennis and work, I talk to my coach a lot – and my doctor – but I definitely challenge their points, too,” she revealed. “Recently, HSBC did a survey that showed 45 percent of people said they made a better decision when consulting other people, and I definitely think that rings true.”
Sacrifices and the Price of Success
Raducanu also reflected on the sacrifices she has had to make in pursuit of her tennis dreams. Like many elite athletes, she missed out on a typical teenage experience, including social events and parties, in order to focus on her sport and academics.
“There were certain moments where I felt envy – like when there were parties that I couldn’t go to, but at the end of the day, I didn’t know any different,” she admitted. “You don’t miss what you don’t know. I knew I wanted to be the best and I knew what I needed to do to get there, so I didn’t think of it as a sacrifice.”
Balancing her education with her demanding tennis career was another challenge. Raducanu attended Newstead Wood, a selective grammar school in London, where academic expectations were high. “Newstead is pretty demanding, so it wasn’t like I could take it easy off the court, either,” she explained. “I put all my time into tennis or school, but it was good to have those two different worlds: school and tennis. Each was a break from the other.”
A New Perspective on Challenges and Growth
Despite the volatility she has experienced in recent years, Raducanu has adopted a new mindset that allows her to handle setbacks in a healthier way. Her struggles with injuries have forced her to rethink how she approaches adversity.
“There has been a lot of volatility over the past three years and I think the most I’ve come into myself has been in the last few weeks,” she reflected. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is non-attachment; acknowledging that everything comes and goes. Every moment is fleeting, and how you interact with the present dictates how you feel, the quality of your work, the quality of your relationships, and how much the people around you enjoy being with you.”
This shift in perspective has helped her avoid negative thought patterns, particularly when dealing with injuries. “I’ve taught myself not to label things as black or white. For example, with this injury, I’m trying to catch myself and stop labelling it as like, ‘Oh, I’m so unlucky, this is so bad.’ I’ve learned to accept things and reframe them.”
While injuries have kept her from competing at full capacity, she has found ways to stay active and maintain her fitness. “I’m not completely unable to exercise, so I’ll still do things like yoga or Pilates – low-impact exercise, so I’m focusing on that. I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks, to be honest.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the difficulties she has faced, Raducanu remains determined to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite. Although she has yet to return to the form that saw her win the US Open, she has shown glimpses of promise, including securing her first victory over a top-10 player in June 2024.
Currently ranked just outside the world’s top 50, she remains one of Britain’s top female players, just behind Katie Boulter in the rankings. Her upcoming participation in the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November is another opportunity for her to demonstrate her talent and contribute to Team Great Britain’s success.
While the road has been far from easy, Raducanu’s resilience and evolving mindset suggest that her best days could still be ahead. By continuing to learn and adapt, she has the potential to make a strong comeback and reestablish herself as a force in the tennis world.
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