June 18, (THEWILL) – Emma Raducanu, former US Open champion, has revealed that she sometimes regrets winning the Grand Slam due to the immense pressure and instant fame it brought her.
The then 18-year-old sensation stormed to victory in the 2021 tournament without dropping a set, but subsequent injuries prevented her from continuing along the path of that success. In a recent interview, Raducanu expressed her struggles: “I am resilient, my tolerance is high, but it’s not easy. And sometimes I think to myself I wish I’d never won the US Open.”
Despite the praise she received, the win exposed Raducanu to a demanding and unforgiving world, causing her to mature rapidly and be cautious of the industry’s pitfalls. The young player admitted that her initial naivety quickly vanished, and she had to adapt to the realities of professional tennis. “What I have realised in the past two years, the tour and everything that comes with it, it’s not a very nice, trusting and safe space”, she said.
She expressed her frustration with some individuals in the industry who view her as a means of financial gain. “I think people in the industry, especially with me because I was 19, now 20, they see me as a piggy bank. It has been difficult to navigate. I have been burnt a few times. I have learnt, keep your circle as small as possible.”
Currently recovering from wrist and ankle surgery, Raducanu missed the French Open and will also be absent from Wimbledon. Furthermore, she recently parted ways with coach Sebastian Sachs, leaving her without guidance at present.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
