Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, continues to captivate the tennis world with her tenacity, even as she navigates the immense pressure that followed her historic triumph. At just 22, the British star has faced a whirlwind of expectations since her fairy-tale victory in New York, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era. Her journey, marked by both brilliance and adversity, has earned her sympathy from WTA Tour rival Wang Xinyu, who acknowledges the unique challenges Raducanu faces. “I would imagine it is difficult for her,” Wang said, speaking at an Adidas event in London. “Yeah, she has won a Grand Slam, but there is a lot of pressure that is now on her every time she plays.” As Raducanu prepares for the 2025 US Open, her story of resilience and growth remains a compelling narrative in women’s tennis.
Raducanu’s 2021 US Open run was nothing short of magical. At 18, she stormed through the tournament without dropping a set, defeating top players like Belinda Bencic and Maria Sakkari before outclassing Leylah Fernandez in the final. The victory skyrocketed her to a career-high ranking of No. 10 in 2022, but the years since have tested her resolve. Injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, sidelined her for months, causing her ranking to plummet outside the top 300. Persistent back issues and frequent coaching changes have added to the challenges, yet Raducanu has shown signs of a remarkable comeback in 2025. Her run to the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club and a competitive third-round performance against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon have fueled optimism about her future. “She won the US Open in one of her first tournaments on the WTA Tour, so it was never going to be easy after that,” Wang noted, highlighting the weight of expectations that followed Raducanu’s meteoric rise.
Wang, a 23-year-old Olympic silver medalist ranked No. 40, offered a compassionate perspective on Raducanu’s journey. “I think she is still growing as a player and also as a person. She is still young,” she said, emphasizing the developmental phase Raducanu is navigating. The Chinese star advised Raducanu to shield herself from external pressures, particularly social media scrutiny. “I would say the best thing is to keep yourself away from the pressure and social media. It really doesn’t matter what they say on social media,” Wang added. Her words reflect an understanding of the intense spotlight Raducanu faces, a burden amplified by her status as a British sporting icon and the expectations of a tennis-mad nation.
Raducanu’s 2025 season has been a testament to her resilience. Currently ranked No. 34, she has climbed from No. 89 earlier this year, with standout performances including a semi-final at the Washington Open and a victory over top-20 player Daria Kasatkina on clay. Her recent matches, though not always victorious, have showcased her ability to compete with the elite, as seen in her narrow loss to Sabalenka at Wimbledon. These efforts have rekindled belief in her potential to return to the top echelons of the sport. Working with childhood coach Nick Cavaday and Mark Petchey, Raducanu has found stability, allowing her to focus on her physical and tactical growth. Her straight-sets win over Ena Shibahara at the 2025 US Open marked her first victory at Flushing Meadows since her title run, signaling a promising start to her campaign.
The pressure Wang highlighted is not just external. Raducanu has spoken openly about her internal drive, shaped by a disciplined upbringing. “I was always brought up with really high standards, high expectations of myself,” she once said, a mindset that has helped her navigate setbacks. As she competes at the China Open in Beijing, starting September 24, 2025, Raducanu carries the hopes of fans and the empathy of peers like Wang. With her sights set on a top-20 return by year’s end, her journey underscores a universal truth: even in the face of daunting challenges, resilience can pave the way to greatness.
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