Emma Raducanu focusing on ‘bigger picture’ as she admits ‘I’ve never done any normal teenage things’

Tennis News
Emma Raducanu celebrates after a match

Emma Raducanu is determined to “put in a good shift” over the next decade even if it means having to sacrifice “normal things” and being on her own.

Raducanu announced her arrival on the big stage when she reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last year and by September she hit dizzying heights when she won the US Open in New York on her debut.

Aged just 18, the Britain became the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam and fame and fortune followed her everywhere.

This year marked her first full season on the WTA Tour and she has travelled the globe with trips to Australia, Mexico, the United States, Canada and various European cities.

Her busy schedule has left with very little time to go out like other teenagers, but she has “done pretty well” when compared to her peers.

“I’ve never gone out. I’ve never done any normal teenage things,” she said in an interview with Grazia Magazine. “Between training and the travel, [the lifestyle] takes some getting used to, but I like to be on my own and it’s always about the bigger picture.

“In my career, I’ve done pretty well compared to most teenagers.

“Hopefully, I’ll be playing throughout my twenties and into my thirties – I’m looking forward to putting in a good shift.”

Following the highs of 2021 that saw her surge up the WTA Rankings, Raducanu has struggled this year as she failed to hit the same heights and has slumped to outside the top 70 in the world.

But the 20-year-old knows things can change in the blink of an eye and she is taking inspiration and advice from fellow Brit and former world No 1 Andy Murray.

“[In tennis] it could look like it’s all going down, down, down and just not getting any better,” she said. “But it can all change so fast.

“Just one match can have a big influence on your confidence and once you have confidence and the momentum comes, you feel like you can’t lose.

“It’s a very individual sport – people are friendly but it’s difficult to be really close with those you’re competing with.

“Andy Murray is so good to talk to because he’s been through pretty much what I’ve been going through.

“I have always looked up to him and watched him winning his first Wimbledon and the Olympics.”

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu ‘extremely grateful’ after receiving MBE from King Charles III for services to tennis

Emma Raducanu

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