Emma Raducanu has opened up about her personal journey and the challenges she has faced since her stunning victory at the US Open in 2021. The British tennis star admitted that she has been “burnt” by those close to her and noted that her “circle is smaller than ever.” This revelation comes as she continues to navigate the complexities of life on the WTA Tour, which have been further complicated by injury setbacks.
After undergoing surgeries on her wrists and ankle, Raducanu has slowly but surely made her way back into the top 50 of the world rankings over the past 18 months. Her coaching journey has also seen its share of turbulence, having worked with her childhood coach Nick Cavaday until health issues sidelined him, followed by a brief period with Vladimír Platenik, before reuniting with Mark Petchey, who had worked with her prior to her Grand Slam success.
In an interview on the eve of her opening match at the Italian Open in Rome, Raducanu shared her struggles with trust, stating, “It’s very difficult for me to trust new people.” She expressed how the sudden influx of attention and pressure after her US Open triumph led to some difficult experiences, both professionally and personally. “Now I’m very Fort Knox with who I let in,” she added, signifying her need for a trustworthy support system.
Despite the challenges, Raducanu is focused on her tennis. She currently enjoys a tight-knit team consisting of Petchey, fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, and her former childhood mentor Jane O’Donoghue, who is taking a sabbatical from finance. The atmosphere within her small circle appears to be one of support and understanding as she continues to work on her emotional resilience.
Moreover, Raducanu is set to face Australian qualifier Maya Joint in her upcoming match, having recently taken time to recharge after a stressful stalking incident during her competition in Dubai. This experience underlined the pressures of fame and the importance of mental well-being as she strives to maintain her focus on the court.
Embracing a philosophy of discipline and acceptance, Raducanu seems determined to make the most of her current circumstances while keeping her past experiences in perspective. Her journey is a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with trusted individuals, especially in high-pressure environments like professional sports. There is hope that with continued focus and the right support, she can overcome these challenges and thrive both on and off the court.