PARIS — Emma Raducanu has opened up about the "constant pressure" she faces as a young tennis star after her crushing defeat to world No. 1 Iga Świątek in the second round of the French Open. The 21-year-old Brit, who stunned the tennis world with her 2021 US Open victory, admitted to feeling overwhelmed by expectations following her 6-4, 6-0 loss on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 165 after a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, struggled against Świątek’s relentless baseline game. The match lasted just 68 minutes, with the Pole dominating the second set in a brutal display of power and precision. Speaking candidly afterward, Raducanu revealed the mental toll of her rapid rise to fame. "There’s always this weight on my shoulders, this expectation that I should be performing at a certain level," she said.
The Weight of Expectations
Since her historic US Open triumph as a qualifier, Raducanu has faced scrutiny over her form, coaching changes, and fitness struggles. She has yet to reach another Grand Slam quarterfinal and has battled wrist and ankle injuries that sidelined her for much of 2023. "People forget how young I am and how little experience I have," she reflected. "It’s not easy to handle everything at once."
Raducanu’s struggles against Świątek highlighted the gap between her current level and the sport’s elite. The Brit managed just 13 winners compared to Świątek’s 30 and committed 23 unforced errors. Despite a competitive first set, she admitted to feeling "mentally and physically exhausted" as the match wore on.
A Brutal Reality Check
Świątek, a three-time French Open champion, showed no mercy, exploiting Raducanu’s defensive weaknesses with her trademark heavy topspin forehands. The Brit acknowledged the challenge of facing the world’s best: "Iga doesn’t give you anything. She makes you work for every point, and if you’re not at your absolute best, she punishes you."
Raducanu’s post-match comments revealed a player still searching for consistency. She admitted to struggling with self-doubt, particularly after long injury layoffs. "Every time I come back, it feels like I’m starting from scratch," she said. "That’s the hardest part."
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Raducanu’s first-set resistance crumbled under Świątek’s relentless pressure.
- The Brit won just 12 points in the second set, highlighting her struggles against elite opponents.
- Raducanu’s serve, often a weakness, was broken five times.
Looking Ahead
Despite the defeat, Raducanu remains determined to rebuild her career. She plans to skip the grass-court warm-up tournaments and focus on Wimbledon, where she hopes to regain momentum. "I know I have the game to compete at the top," she insisted. "It’s just about putting the pieces together."
Tennis analysts have urged patience, noting that Raducanu’s meteoric rise was unprecedented. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman remarked, "Emma’s still learning. She’s had setbacks, but her talent is undeniable. She needs time."
The Road to Recovery
Raducanu’s team has emphasized a long-term approach, prioritizing fitness and mental resilience. She has been working with coach Nick Cavaday, aiming to refine her game and reduce errors. "I’m trying to block out the noise and focus on improving," she said.
Her next major test will be Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021. The Brit remains optimistic: "I love playing at home. The crowd gives me energy, and I want to give them something to cheer about."
For now, Raducanu’s journey is one of perseverance. The pressure may be relentless, but her determination remains unshaken. As she put it, "I didn’t come this far to give up. I’ll keep fighting."