Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, made a surprise appearance at England’s training camp in Surrey as Steve Borthwick’s squad prepared for their autumn clash against New Zealand. The tennis star took part in lineout drills and shared her experiences of performing under pressure with the players.
Insights on Handling Pressure
Raducanu’s career has been defined by intense public scrutiny since her breakthrough victory in New York. England’s squad were eager to learn how she manages such expectations.
“The amount of pressure that she has to go under because of how successful she is is definitely something we can learn from,” said Fin Baxter.
Her advice was aimed at helping the team cope with the mental demands of facing the All Blacks.
Player Reactions
The visit left a strong impression on the squad, particularly younger players. Baxter recalled his unusual introduction to Raducanu:
“Afterwards I was like ‘Hi Emma, I’m Fin by the way’. It was a weird way to meet her for the first time. But it was cool to have her in,” he added.
Preparing for New Zealand
England’s preparations at Pennyhill Park have focused on resilience and adaptability. Borthwick’s decision to invite Raducanu reflects his strategy of drawing inspiration from elite athletes across different sports. Her presence added a unique dimension to the build-up for Saturday’s showdown at Allianz Stadium.
Looking Ahead
England will face New Zealand in one of the highlights of the autumn internationals. Raducanu’s involvement not only showcased her willingness to engage with other sports but also reinforced the shared challenges athletes face when competing at the highest level.
Emma Raducanu in 2025
At the moment ranked no.29, the Brit played her last match on the 14th of October when she lost to world no.166 Lin Zhu 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the 1st round in Ningbo (draw).
Currently, during this year the Brit has achieved a compiled 28-22 match record. Emma Raducanu’s best accomplishment of the current season was reaching the semifinal in Washington.