In an interview with *The Guardian*, Emma Raducanu opened up about her experiences and challenges since her breakthrough win at the 2021 US Open, explaining why she cannot adopt a “no-emotions” approach on the court. The 21-year-old British tennis star, who made history by winning the Grand Slam as a qualifier, has been under intense scrutiny ever since. The pressure of expectations, both from the public and within herself, is immense, and managing emotions in such an environment is no easy task.
### **A Personal Journey of Emotion and Resilience**
Raducanu’s remarks about emotions on court provide an insight into her personality and how she navigates the complex landscape of professional tennis. For Raducanu, emotions are an intrinsic part of her game. “I just can’t pretend to be a no-emotions player,” she explained, admitting that the highs and lows of the sport are unavoidable, especially for someone like her who experiences everything on a deeply personal level. Her reaction to wins and losses, whether through visible expressions of joy or frustration, is part of who she is and how she connects with the game.
The pressure to be emotionless, often suggested by commentators and fans who idealize stoic or poker-faced athletes like Novak Djokovic or Serena Williams, is something Raducanu rejects. “I just try to stay authentic,” she said, underscoring that emotional authenticity allows her to express herself naturally. For Raducanu, repressing emotions or trying to play with a constant mask of indifference would be counterproductive, as it would disconnect her from her true self and from the passion that drives her success on the court.
### **The Pressure of Expectations**
Since her incredible win at the US Open, Raducanu has faced an enormous amount of public attention, not just for her skills on the court but also for her ability to handle the expectations placed on her. She went from being an unknown teenager to one of the most talked-about figures in world tennis almost overnight. With that fame came heightened expectations—first from her home country, the UK, where she became a national hero, and then from the wider tennis community.
Raducanu has often spoken about how the pressure of expectations can be both motivating and overwhelming. “The expectations are the hard part, especially when people try to compare me to others. I’m not them,” she explained. The comparisons to established champions, and the rush to see her replicate her US Open success, can be daunting for someone still so young and relatively inexperienced on the tour. Yet Raducanu is trying to find a balance, learning to handle pressure in a way that doesn’t compromise her emotional well-being.
“I’ve been working with a mental coach to help me with the pressure, to understand how to handle it better,” she shared, acknowledging the importance of mental strength in elite sports. Despite the external pressure, she has been focused on keeping her mindset in check, and part of that process is embracing her emotions rather than trying to suppress them.
### **The Mental Game: Managing Emotions Under Pressure**
One of the most challenging aspects of tennis is managing the mental game. Unlike some other sports, tennis is an individual pursuit where the mental battle is often just as important as the physical one. A single point can turn the tide of an entire match, and Raducanu has learned that her emotional state plays a critical role in her performance.
Raducanu has had to deal with the highs and lows of her career in real time. The overwhelming joy of winning the US Open was followed by struggles with form and fitness, which led to early exits from several tournaments. These setbacks were frustrating, and Raducanu admitted that she found it hard to deal with the disappointment. “I’m human,” she said. “I feel it. Sometimes you can have bad days, but it’s important not to let them define you.”
In response to those setbacks, Raducanu has adopted a mindset of learning and growth. She doesn’t shy away from acknowledging her emotions, but instead uses them as tools for improvement. By allowing herself to feel the full range of emotions, Raducanu believes she can better understand her responses and reactions during matches, ultimately leading to a more consistent and resilient approach to competition.
### **The Role of Support Systems**
A crucial aspect of Raducanu’s journey has been the support she has received from coaches, family, and mental health professionals. Her openness about working with a mental coach highlights the importance of mental well-being in sports, and in life more generally. “Having the right team around you is essential. It’s not just about the physical work; it’s about being mentally strong too,” she said, reflecting on the impact of her support system. Raducanu emphasized that it’s not just about managing wins and losses, but about staying grounded and emotionally stable throughout the tumultuous journey of professional sports.
Her team has also helped her recognize that it’s okay to feel emotions, but it’s equally important to channel them productively. Whether she’s celebrating a big win or processing the pain of a tough loss, Raducanu has learned to stay focused on the bigger picture—her long-term development as a player and person.
### **The Future of Raducanu’s Career**
Looking forward, Raducanu seems focused on the long-term journey, rather than chasing instant success or trying to meet unrealistic expectations. “I’m still learning,” she said. “Every match, every day is a new opportunity to grow.” This perspective reflects her commitment to improvement and her understanding that the road to success in tennis—especially after such a meteoric rise—will have its challenges.
By accepting and embracing her emotions, Raducanu is carving out a path that is authentic to her personality. She doesn’t intend to be an emotionless player, and that could be her greatest strength. The honesty and openness with which she approaches her career—acknowledging the emotional ups and downs—will likely serve her well as she continues to develop her game.
In the end, Raducanu’s willingness to show vulnerability, to let her emotions shape her approach to tennis, may be what ultimately allows her to transcend the expectations and challenges of her early career and become a more well-rounded, mentally tough player in the years to come.
