A Career Turning Point. Emma Raducanu Sets New Year is Goals for Her Life and Career. What Will She Become.
Emma Raducanu’s Journey
British tennis star Emma Raducanu , who rose to fame with her historic 2021 US Open victory , is entering a new phase of her career. After a difficult and tumultuous 2023 season, Raducanu has set clear goals for 2025. Her ambitions go beyond tennis excellence, focusing on personal growth both on and off the court.
Overcoming Difficult Times and Choosing Change
Looking back at her journey after the end of the 2023 season, Raducanu finds herself at a pivotal moment. She entered the Korea Open in September, hoping to bounce back. However, a foot injury forced her to withdraw from the quarterfinals, marking a turning point in her career. The time off that followed gave her the space to reconsider her decisions and aspirations for the future.
Discovering Yourself During Recovery
During her time off, Raducanu visited her grandmother in China , where she practiced Mandarin and pursued creative interests. “That was a turning point when I asked myself, ‘Okay, what do I want for myself in the next year?’” Raducanu said. She began exploring hobbies outside of tennis, like playing the piano and drawing, which not only helped her relax but also gave her a new perspective on life.
Prioritizing Health and Sustainable Growth
Raducanu has recognized the importance of health as a foundation for her athletic career. Maintaining her fitness has become her top priority for the coming year. “I really want to stay healthy next year. I want to make sure I keep up my training,” she stressed.
To achieve this, Raducanu brought in Yutaka Nakamura , who has worked with stars like Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka , as her fitness coach. She also continued to work with Nick Cavaday , her longtime coach. This strategic partnership aimed to create a more effective and consistent training program.
Handling Media Pressure
As a rising star in the tennis world, Raducanu has faced intense media scrutiny. Sudden fame brings with it a lot of pressure. “It’s a relationship we’re building,” she says of her interactions with the press. Raducanu has found that she needs to carefully manage her outside commitments to protect her on-court performance.
At 22, she has learned to say no to unnecessary obligations to focus on her main goals. “I am grateful and blessed with some experiences and opportunities, but I was not prepared for them,” Raducanu admits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health in addition to physical health.
A New Perspective on Competition
After a tumultuous 2023 , Raducanu is approaching the new season with a more positive outlook. Rather than simply chasing titles , she is determined to enjoy every moment on the court. “I want to play tennis as a game, to see how far I can go,” she explains.
Raducanu’s aspirations now extend beyond winning Grand Slams . “When I started, my main motivation was, ‘I want to win a Grand Slam.’ But now, I want to elevate my game in every aspect,” she says. This shift in mindset reflects her personal and professional growth and commitment.
A Careful Approach to Nutrition and Supplements
Raducanu also revealed her careful approach to what she eats and drinks, ensuring it is consistent with her sporting responsibilities . “I get nervous when there is water around. It’s just part of the sport. We’re all in the same boat,” she said, reflecting her care in protecting her career and personal image.
The Coming of Age of a Tennis Star
Emma Raducanu is navigating a major crossroads in her career. With clear goals and renewed determination, she hopes to have a successful 2025 season. “I don’t really have [goals like], ‘I want to rank this. I want to win this.’ It’s about enjoying what I’m doing,” she said.
Raducanu proves that maturity is not only about achievements on the court but also about life lessons and experiences. With a positive outlook and relentless ambition , Emma Raducanu is ready to continue shining on her tennis journey.