Emma Raducanu talks honestly about her time off the court, the value of having a balanced life, and the right time to take a break.
When Raducanu won the US Open in 2021, it surprised everyone. She emerged from the qualifying rounds to become the first tennis player in history to win a grand slam. Even though she has changed in the last two years, she is still working to reach that level. Raducanu shares the identity of one of her biggest sporting idols as she aims to win a slam once more.
Many people view Raducanu as a role model worldwide, and she turns to them for inspiration. In 2023, the 21-year-old British player had a difficult year. She suffered enough injuries to miss the entire season after withdrawing early from many competitions.
She expressed her thoughts in a recent interview about Chinese culture: “I love the food culture, which is massive. My favourite thing is just immersing myself in the culture. I guess it’s very different from the West, but I love it. There’s a lot more going on at all times. And it’s so clean; it’s so modern. I think it’s way ahead of its time. I think that I’ve picked up more things [during recovery]. I train all day, then come home and learn more. Now I have a stronger attitude towards and willingness to do them.”
Raducanu is still hopeful about her career. She plans to return to the ASB Classic, hoping to play again like her idol, Li Na. She added that it would have been awesome to play against her, as she considered her idol.
She cites the two-time grand slam champion, Li Na, as her tennis role model and an opponent she wishes she could have played. She added: “I think I saw her so much growing up, and she’s been such an idol of mine that I would just love to be on the other side of it. She’s a complete player, and I would have loved to have a good battle against her.”
Emma Raducanu graces the cover of Tatler Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/Rtw8nSY4J9
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 29, 2023
Emma Raducanu in 2023
LWWLLWWLWW Currently the world no.298, Raducanu played her last match on the 18th of April when she surrendered to world no.13 Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 6-1 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
This season the Brit has an overall 5-5 win-loss record.
