In 2016, Monica Puig won the singles at the Rio Games, defeating a number of well-known competitors, including Garbine Muguruza and Angelique Kerber, to become Puerto Rico’s first Olympic gold medalist. After that, she battled injuries and form issues before retiring last year. Emma Raducanu, who won her first Grand Slam at the age of 19 after making it through qualifying at the US Open two years prior, has followed a similar career trajectory.
The young British player has since struggled with her form and injuries, falling outside the top 70 in the WTA Rankings, but Puig believes she still has a successful career ahead of her.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Monica commented:
“I saw her many times courtside during the US Open when she did when that title and she is a very talented player.
“Physically, she’s still very young. I’m not going to say she’s already a very established player with a lot of experience. She won that US Open title having not played many WTA events and she hasn’t had a full calendar.”
Puig also understands that Emma might be overwhelmed with all the attention she has been receiving in the UK and the amount of endorsements that are filling her schedule. “I didn’t have as much media attention as she does and I can only imagine coming from the UK where something like that is so big. It just exploded,” added Monica.
About balancing making money and the career.
Then Monica added that Emma needs to find the right balance:
“You can make more money off the court than on it, but on the court it’s important to focus and dedicate all your time to your craft because that’s what got you there. At the end of the day, wins equal dollar signs and new contracts.
“That’s what I ended up seeing in my own career, so I’m speaking more from experience. It’s a fine balance because I’m not saying don’t do it altogether because honestly, it’s impossible at this point. She needs to do these obligations contractually but focus on the tennis and the work and then do that.
“It’s about putting your life in order, having a schedule, sticking to that schedule and then finding time for other things.”
Emma Raducanu in 2023
LWWWWLWWLL At the moment ranked no.80, Emma played her last match on the 18th of January when she capitulated to world no.6 Cori Gauff 6-3 7-6(4) in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Presently, during this year the Brit has managed to achieve an overall 2-2 win-loss record.
Emma Raducanu |
| Embed from Getty Images |
