LONDON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu has delivered a sombre update ahead of Wimbledon, admitting there is "stuff going on" off the court that she needs to address. The 2021 US Open champion, who has struggled with injuries and form since her historic Grand Slam win, hinted at personal challenges affecting her preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Raducanu, 21, made the revelation during a press conference at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne, where she is competing in her final warm-up event before Wimbledon. When asked about her mindset heading into the grass-court season, she responded with uncharacteristic candor: "There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and it’s not easy. I’m just trying to manage everything as best as I can."
A Candid Admission
Raducanu’s comments mark a rare moment of vulnerability from the typically composed athlete. Since her stunning US Open triumph as a qualifier, she has faced immense scrutiny, injuries, and frequent coaching changes. Her latest remarks suggest deeper struggles beyond the physical demands of the sport.
When pressed for details, Raducanu declined to elaborate but acknowledged: "It’s not just tennis. There are things in life that you have to deal with, and right now, I’m working through them." Her subdued tone contrasted sharply with the optimism she displayed earlier in the season after returning from multiple surgeries.
Recent Struggles and Setbacks
Raducanu’s career has been a rollercoaster since her breakthrough in New York. Persistent wrist and ankle injuries have derailed her momentum, limiting her to just 15 matches in 2023. This year, she has shown flashes of brilliance—including a strong run at the Stuttgart Open—but inconsistency remains an issue.
Key challenges she has faced include:
- Multiple coaching changes (five different coaches since 2021)
- Physical setbacks, including three surgeries in 2023
- Adjusting to life under intense public scrutiny
The Pressure of Expectations
As Britain’s first female Grand Slam champion in 44 years, Raducanu has carried the weight of a nation’s expectations. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman recently noted: "Emma’s situation is unique. The spotlight on her is relentless, and it’s a lot for someone so young to handle."
Her struggles have been compounded by frequent criticism from pundits and social media. Last month, she deleted her Instagram account temporarily, citing "negative energy" as a factor. A source close to the player revealed: "She’s been working with a sports psychologist to manage the mental toll."
Wimbledon Hopes Amid Uncertainty
Despite her off-court challenges, Raducanu remains determined to compete at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021. She said: "I love playing at home. The crowd gives me so much energy, and I want to give them my best." However, she tempered expectations, adding: "I’m taking it day by day."
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey told Sky Sports: "Emma’s honesty is refreshing, but it’s clear she’s in a tough place. The key for her is to find stability—both in her game and her life outside tennis."
Looking Ahead
Raducanu’s immediate focus is on Eastbourne, where she faces a tough draw. A deep run could provide much-needed confidence before Wimbledon begins on July 1. Long-term, her team is reportedly prioritizing a more sustainable schedule to avoid burnout.
For now, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how she navigates this challenging phase. As Raducanu herself put it: "Tennis is my passion, but life is bigger than the game. I’m learning that balance every day."
Her resilience has been tested before, and if history is any indication, counting her out would be a mistake. Whether she finds her form in time for Wimbledon remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Emma Raducanu is fighting battles on multiple fronts—and she’s not backing down.