Four years ago, at the tender age of 18, Emma Raducanu captivated the world by clinching the 2021 US Open title, a feat that etched her name into tennis history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era. Now 22, the British tennis sensation is navigating a different kind of challenge—one that extends far beyond the baseline. In a candid interview, Raducanu revealed that her greatest fear outside of tennis stems from two unsettling stalking incidents that have left a lasting impact on her life, forcing her to adapt to a reality far removed from the fairytale of Flushing Meadows.
The spotlight that followed her 2021 triumph brought unprecedented fame but also unwanted attention. Raducanu recounted how these incidents—one in 2021, when a stalker stole items from her doorstep and was later issued a five-year restraining order, and another earlier this year, where a man followed her across four countries to Dubai—have reshaped her daily life. “That was probably the worst [public attention] I’ve had,” she shared, describing the lingering anxiety that followed. “I remember straight afterwards, I found it very difficult going out. I definitely had a bit of a leftover lag effect.” To cope, she has become more cautious, rarely venturing out alone and often accompanied by security. “I’ve been a lot more astute, a lot more, I’d say, safe,” she admitted, reflecting a maturity forged through adversity.
Despite these challenges, Raducanu’s focus remains on reclaiming her place among tennis’s elite. Now ranked No. 39 in the WTA standings, she is set to return to Flushing Meadows for this year’s US Open, hoping to rediscover the fearless form that carried her to glory. The journey has not been without its hurdles. Since her historic win, she has faced a barrage of injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, and the weight of unrelenting expectations. “It’s something that never fully leaves you,” she said of the comparisons to her US Open triumph. “I think it’s been four years now, I don’t think it’s fully gone away. Maybe in a few years, maybe when I’m older, more mature, but it’s hard to put that aside completely.”
Raducanu’s resilience shines through as she works to redefine her career. Her recent performances, including a thrilling three-hour battle against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open, demonstrate her potential to compete with the best. In that match, she held her own, saving four break points in a 23-minute game, only to fall narrowly in a third-set tiebreak. Such moments fuel her belief that she is closing the gap to the top. “I think I did make good progress in the last few months, 100%, with the consistency and the work I’ve been doing,” she reflected, emphasizing her commitment to growth over instant results.
Off the court, Raducanu has embraced a newfound balance. A 2023 injury layoff, initially a setback, became a period of self-discovery. She traveled to China, explored hobbies like piano and painting, and tapped into her creative side. “I kind of discovered the more artistic side – the piano, the painting, the reading, the philosophy, all of those things,” she said. This exploration has influenced her playing style, blending her parents’ analytical mindset with a more expressive approach on the court.
Adding intrigue to her US Open campaign is her mixed doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, a pairing that has sparked speculation about their off-court relationship. Raducanu, however, remains focused, brushing off the rumors with a laugh. “I guess it comes with the territory, people being so curious,” she said, redirecting attention to her performance goals. With a new coach, Francisco Roig, formerly part of Rafael Nadal’s team, in her corner, she is building a foundation for long-term success.
As Raducanu steps back onto the courts of Flushing Meadows, she carries both the scars of her challenges and the resilience of a champion. Her journey is a testament to her toughness, as she navigates fame, fear, and the pursuit of greatness with unwavering determination. “I am tough,” she asserted, dispelling doubts about her work ethic. With a renewed sense of purpose and a game evolving daily, Raducanu is poised to write the next chapter of her remarkable story, one point at a time.
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