Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has expressed renewed enthusiasm and determination as she prepares for the upcoming US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports Editions, Raducanu discussed her current approach to tennis, life, and her growing interest in art, highlighting how achieving a better balance off the court has positively impacted her performance.
Raducanu emphasized that she has been playing with greater freedom and authenticity in recent weeks, attributing her improved mindset to her ability to express her personality both on and off the court. Reflecting on her recent experiences, she shared that she plays “so much better” when she is happy and confident in expressing herself. She also noted that her recent performances have been characterized by a renewed sense of passion, tenacity, and grit.
This is the Emma Raducanu Edition.
This cover celebrates the artistry of tennis superstar @emmaraducanu 📸
Click below to watch how this shoot was inspired by Emma’s creativity and how it inspires her on and off the court #SkySportsEditions ✨ pic.twitter.com/F6gTKax7ju
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) August 23, 2024
The 21-year-old tennis star acknowledged that the intense spotlight following her unexpected Grand Slam victory as a teenager made it challenging to remain true to herself. She admitted that she had often found herself playing a role rather than enjoying the moment freely. However, Raducanu now feels more comfortable expressing her true self, both in her game and in her personal life.
Persistent injuries have hindered Raducanu’s progress since her remarkable run at Flushing Meadows in 2021. Most of 2023 was spent recovering from surgeries on both wrists and her left ankle. While her recovery was a primary focus, Raducanu used the time away from tennis to explore her interests, particularly art and playing the piano. She drew parallels between these creative outlets and her approach to tennis, viewing the sport as an art form that requires creativity, adaptability, and expression.
Raducanu also shared her admiration for Pablo Picasso’s “Girl before a Mirror,” relating the artwork to her own experiences. She explained that, at times, she has felt a disconnect between how she perceives herself and how she is perceived by others. This introspective reflection has contributed to her ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
As Raducanu heads into the US Open, she carries with her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Her recent performances, including a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon and victories over top-10 players Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari, indicate that she is regaining her form. Currently ranked 71st in the world, Raducanu is determined to build on this momentum and make a strong showing at the US Open.
Raducanu’s journey underscores the importance of finding balance and staying true to oneself, both on and off the court. As she continues to navigate the challenges of professional tennis, she remains focused on her goals, driven by the “real fire” and “spark” that have returned to her game.
Emma Raducanu in 2024
LWWLWWWLWW Ranked no.71, Raducanu played her last match on the 2nd of August when she was defeated by world no.27 Paula Badosa 4-6 7-5 6-4 in the quarter in Washington (draw).
This season the Brit has achieved an overall 18-11 record. Emma Raducanu’s most significant performance of the present year was reaching the semifinal in Nottingham.
Emma Raducanu will take on the world no.50 Viktoriya Tomova in the final. Their current record is 1-0 for Tomova.
She is also scheduled to play in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Tennis Open). The main draw will start on the 28th of October.
