After winning the US Open at just 18 years old, Emma Raducanu had the world at her feet. However, it appears that success isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and the British tennis player has spoken candidly on life since lifting her first grand slam title.
“When I won I was extremely naive,” Raducanu admitted. “What I have realized in the past two years, the tour and everything that comes with it, it’s not a very nice, trusting and safe space.
“You have to be on guard because there are a lot of sharks out there. I think people in the industry, especially with me because I was 19, now 20, they see me as a piggy bank.
“It has been difficult to navigate. I have been burnt a few times. I have learnt, keep your circle as small as possible,” the world No. 128 added.
Raducanu won the 2021 US Open, becoming the first qualifier to win the major, after defeating Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 in Flushing Meadows’ first all-teen final since 1999.
The Brit went on an incredible run throughout the tournament, not dropping a set in nine matches, and looked a shoo-in for future success on the circuit.
