LONDON — Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has opened up about the loneliness of life on the WTA Tour, admitting that forming lasting friendships in professional tennis has been a struggle due to the sport’s transient nature and her own rapid rise to stardom.
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, the 21-year-old Brit revealed the emotional toll of navigating the highs and lows of her career largely alone. "It’s tough when you’re constantly traveling, and everyone’s in their own bubble," Raducanu said. "You might have a nice conversation one week, but the next, they’re gone. It’s hard to build something real."
The Isolation of the Tour
Raducanu’s admission sheds light on a rarely discussed aspect of professional tennis—the isolation that comes with relentless travel, competition, and the pressure to perform. Unlike team sports, where athletes train and compete alongside teammates, tennis players often spend weeks on the road with only their coaches for company.
The Brit, who shot to fame with her historic US Open win as a qualifier, acknowledged that her meteoric rise made it even harder to connect with peers. "When you’re suddenly in the spotlight, people see you differently. Some assume you’ve changed, even if you haven’t."
The Challenges of Early Success
Raducanu’s career has been a rollercoaster since her 2021 triumph. Injuries, coaching changes, and fluctuating form have led to what she describes as "dips"—periods where self-doubt creeps in. "There are moments when you question everything. You’re alone in hotel rooms, overthinking losses, and it’s easy to feel lost."
Her struggles mirror those of other young stars who’ve burst onto the scene, such as Naomi Osaka, who has spoken openly about mental health challenges. Raducanu emphasized that while social media makes it seem like players are always connected, the reality is far more solitary.
The Reality of Tennis Friendships
While some rivalries turn into friendships—like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s bond—Raducanu explained that the competitive nature of tennis often prevents deeper connections. "You’re rivals first. It’s not like you can confide in someone you might face in a final next week."
She also highlighted logistical hurdles:
- Players rarely stay in the same city for more than a week.
- Training schedules clash, leaving little time for socializing.
- Cultural and language barriers add another layer of difficulty.
Finding Support Elsewhere
Raducanu has leaned on her family and childhood friends to stay grounded. "They’ve known me since before any of this. With them, I’m just Emma, not ‘Emma Raducanu, the tennis player.’"
She’s also found solace in hobbies outside tennis, like cooking and painting, which provide a mental escape. "It’s important to have something that’s yours, away from the court."
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Raducanu remains determined to carve out a sustainable career. "I’m learning to embrace the journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Maybe one day, the friendships will come naturally."
Her honesty has resonated with fans and fellow players alike, sparking conversations about the need for better mental health support and camaraderie in tennis. As Raducanu put it: "We’re all human. Sometimes, you just need someone to say, ‘I get it.’"