Emma Raducanu reflects on her occasional thoughts of regretting her victory at the US Open, as she discusses her physical and mental challenges since the triumph.
The 20-year-old made history in 2021 by winning the US Open as a qualifier, a remarkable achievement.
However, Raducanu has faced a series of injuries following her triumph and is currently recovering from wrist and hand surgery.
“I struggled not only with physical pain but also with the mental aspect, which was really tough for me,” she revealed.
In an interview with The Times, the British tennis player shared, “I always strive to present the best version of myself, but I knew I couldn’t.”
Raducanu parted ways with coach Sebastian Sachs in June, marking her fifth coaching change in less than two years.
In 2023, she has participated in only 10 WTA Tour matches, winning five, with three of those victories occurring at Indian Wells.
Emma Raducanu opens up about her deep attachment of self-worth to her achievements, expressing how losses would greatly affect her and leave her feeling down. She acknowledges her intense and passionate nature.
Since her triumphant victory at the US Open, where she didn’t drop a set en route to defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final, Raducanu’s Grand Slam performances have not been as successful. Her ranking has dropped from 10th in July 2022 to 128th, and she has faced setbacks due to injuries, resulting in her absence from the French Open and Wimbledon.
Reflecting on the US Open win, Raducanu remembers feeling a pure sense of joy, willing to trade any struggle for that moment of celebration. However, the subsequent setbacks have led her to occasionally think, “I wish I’d never won the US Open, I wish that didn’t happen.” Yet, she reminds herself to remember the promise she made to cherish that feeling.
Raducanu acknowledges the challenges she has faced in maturing rapidly and learning to navigate the complexities of the tennis tour. She admits being naive initially but has come to realize that the industry can be untrustworthy and unsafe. She emphasizes the need to be cautious, as she has encountered individuals who see her as a financial opportunity. As a result, she has learned the importance of maintaining a small circle of trust.
