Emma Raducanu focused on growth, learning to prioritize post-title

Posted : 17 December 2024

Emma Raducanu has reflected on the challenges she faced after her remarkable 2021 US Open victory, where she made history by winning her first Grand Slam title as an 18-year-old qualifier. The sudden success brought significant off-court pressures that, according to Raducanu, drained her energy and focus. Now, the British tennis star believes she is better prepared to manage those demands and is confident about fulfilling her true potential.

Raducanu admitted that, initially, her mindset was solely focused on tennis—playing, training, and improving. However, the aftermath of her US Open success introduced a wave of commitments beyond the court, which she struggled to balance. She explained that while her work ethic on the court never faltered, she wasn’t fully equipped for the external pressures. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize has been a crucial lesson for her. “I’ve learned how to say no,” she revealed, adding that structuring her time effectively has allowed her to regain control over her career.

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Injuries have further complicated Raducanu’s journey over the past few years, but her recent return to form has reignited her ambitions. A successful comeback in Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup campaign showcased her resilience, as she won all her singles matches. Looking ahead to 2025, Raducanu has enlisted fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura, known for his work with top players like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka, to help her maintain peak physical condition throughout the season.

Raducanu emphasized her desire to compete more frequently in the upcoming season, stating that a consistent physical training routine while traveling will be key to her success. She believes that taking “microdoses” of fitness work on the road will help her stay fit and healthy, a critical factor given her injury history. Confident in her current progress, she expressed excitement about pushing herself to reach her maximum potential, saying, “I’m curious about what my level can get to.”

Her history of frequent coaching changes has drawn criticism in the past, but Raducanu explained that her approach has often been misunderstood. Contrary to public perception, she values loyalty and prefers to maintain long-term relationships with her team. She clarified that some past partnerships simply didn’t work out as intended, but with coach Nick Cavaday now by her side, she feels settled and optimistic about her current support system.

Reflecting on her mindset after the US Open, Raducanu admitted that her immediate drive was to win another Grand Slam title. However, she now recognizes that this outlook was unsustainable and led to frustration. She described her current motivation as more genuine, focusing on enjoying the sport and seeing how far she can progress both physically and mentally. For Raducanu, it’s now about treating tennis as a challenge to explore her full potential.

Heading into the new season, Raducanu feels reinvigorated and motivated by a fresh perspective. She is no longer solely chasing trophies but is instead focused on self-improvement and the joy of the game. With her new mindset, structured approach, and determination to stay healthy, Raducanu is eager to discover how far she can push her abilities and make the most of her career.

Emma Raducanu focused on growth, learning to prioritize post-title

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