Emma Raducanu has opened up about the sacrifices she made during her childhood, revealing that while she sometimes felt “envy” for the social events she missed out on, she never truly felt she was missing out because she had never experienced them. The British tennis star, who has risen to global fame since her historic 2021 US Open victory, has always been intensely dedicated to her sport, balancing it alongside a demanding academic schedule.
Raducanu turned professional in 2018 and quickly made an impression by winning her first title that year—an ITF $15K event. However, her breakthrough came in 2021 when, as a qualifier, she defied all odds to capture the US Open title at just 18 years old. Her triumph not only made her the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in 53 years but also the first player in the Open Era to claim a major as a qualifier. Her extraordinary accomplishment earned her widespread recognition, culminating in being awarded an MBE in November 2022.
Her meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world, however, was built on years of hard work and sacrifices. In a revealing interview with Women’s Health, Raducanu spoke about how her childhood was shaped by school and tennis, leaving little room for the typical teenage social life.
“There were certain moments where I felt envy—like when there were parties that I couldn’t go to,” she admitted. “But at the end of the day, I didn’t know any different. 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.”
Growing up, Raducanu attended Newstead Wood, a selective girls’ grammar school in London, which she described as “pretty demanding.” She balanced rigorous academic responsibilities with intense training sessions, often dedicating her early mornings and late nights to the sport she loved. Despite the challenges, she appreciated having two contrasting worlds—education and tennis—each serving as a mental escape from the other.
Born in Toronto, Canada, on November 13, 2002, Raducanu moved to the UK with her family at the age of two. Her parents, both of whom come from academic backgrounds, instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and resilience from an early age. She picked up a tennis racket at five and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. Over the years, her parents played a crucial role in shaping her work ethic, constantly reminding her of the importance of staying grounded.
“[My parents are] really good at keeping me on the ground and really good at keeping me focused and just plugging away a day at a time, not getting too high with the wins or too low with the losses,” she told PEOPLE in 2021.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Raducanu recalled spending a lot of time alone as a child while her parents worked full-time. With such a disciplined routine, her days were structured around training and academics, leaving little time for social outings. While she acknowledges moments of envy when she saw her peers enjoying traditional teenage experiences, she remains deeply grateful for her parents’ sacrifices and the opportunities she has had because of them.
“I think my upbringing really helped me develop resilience,” she shared. “It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me to be independent and to stay focused on my goals.”
Her laser-sharp focus and dedication paid off spectacularly in 2021, when she not only won the US Open but did so without dropping a single set throughout the entire tournament. The achievement stunned the tennis world and catapulted her into the spotlight, bringing with it sponsorship deals, media attention, and an entirely new level of fame.
However, Raducanu’s journey has not been without its challenges. Since her landmark victory, she has faced injuries and inconsistent form, causing her ranking to fluctuate. At one point, she slipped outside the top 200 after being sidelined for much of the 2023 season due to injury. However, her determination has remained unshaken, and she has since climbed back into the top 60, showing signs of a promising comeback.
Despite the pressure and scrutiny that come with being a Grand Slam champion at such a young age, Raducanu maintains a level-headed approach to both success and setbacks. She credits her upbringing and the discipline she developed over the years for keeping her grounded as she navigates the highs and lows of professional tennis.
Looking ahead, Raducanu remains focused on her long-term goals. With her natural talent, strong mentality, and unwavering work ethic, she continues to be one of the most exciting young players in the sport. While she may have missed out on some typical teenage experiences, her journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary—and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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