Emma Raducanu has opened up about the challenges of managing her energy due to off-court commitments after her U.S. Open win, but now feels she’s found the right balance as she advances in 2025.
The 22-year-old tennis star, who became an overnight sensation with her New York victory three years ago, continues to be among the top 10 highest-paid female athletes this year, even though her ranking has slipped below the top 50. With this success comes greater scrutiny of her performance and results, and Raducanu admits that she might have taken on too much with her off-court responsibilities.
“Especially straight after I did really well, for the next few years it was very much like there was so much communication about things off the court,” said Raducanu. “And I would always, always give my 100 percent on the court. I was always working really hard, but I just think that I wasn’t prepared as well for the other things that inevitably do take some energy out of you.
“I think now I’m a lot more structured. I’ll be like: ‘OK, I have this time where one hour we will talk about business. And now I’m going to go train for the rest of the week’. Also I think I’ve learned how to say no a bit more. Initially, I felt really bad for letting people down. I’d always want to do extra for whatever partner or magazine or whatever I’m shooting for.”
Raducanu also believes she has improved her in-game strategy alongside her approach to off-court activities. During her preseason training, Raducanu was in high spirits, working with coach Nick Cavaday, an old acquaintance from her childhood, and new fitness guru Yutaka Nakamura.
