Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who rose to prominence with her 2021 US Open victory, has consistently addressed critiques regarding her commitment to the sport amidst her burgeoning commercial engagements. In a 2024 interview, she refuted claims that sponsorships distracted her from tennis, stating, “I’m not distracted by sponsors, I’m practising for six hours a day.”
Further emphasizing her dedication, Raducanu reflected on the challenges of public perception, noting that “there are those who see me doing a shoot or posing for a commercial and they don’t see the seven hours before that at the training centre, doing physio, gym, hitting balls.”
Addressing the notion that her focus might be divided, she remarked, “It is unfair to be criticised for collaborating with sponsors and that I am fully committed to becoming the best tennis player I can be.”
In response to critiques of British players ahead of Wimbledon, Raducanu asserted, “We should be pushing each other and I think that is the case in the men’s and women’s. We’re all doing really well, especially on the grass.”
Despite facing public scrutiny, Raducanu remains focused on her career, expressing a desire to meet young darts champion Luke Littler to learn from his consistency and mental resilience.
In summary, Emma Raducanu continues to navigate the balance between her professional commitments and public perception, steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in tennis.
